This Policy Brief provides information about the recently established ‘EU Observatory for Nanomaterials’, how it is being developed, its limitations and why it is not an ideal option. It suggests a different monitoring scenario, based on rules which would ensure transparency, improve the ability of... Find out more

This policy brief looks at the new ISO45001 draft international standard for occupational safety and health (OSH) management systems.After describing the process for international standard-setting, the brief analyses the relationship of this new proposed ISO45001 with the European Union's 1989... Find out more

International standards are playing an increasingly important role in market governance and often have a direct impact on health, safety and the environment. In most cases, these norms are defined by experts, without the participation of civil society representatives. This Policy Brief presents the... Find out more

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pose the most widespread occupational health problem in the European Union. Their high incidence bears witness to the intensification of working conditions that is affecting growing numbers of employees in industry and services.This policy brief looks at the work... Find out more

The European legislation on occupational health and safety has failed to achieve any substantial reduction in the incidence of work-related accidents and disease.The author of this Policy Brief argues that the regulatory approach is effective only in cases where employers actually care about the... Find out more

This Policy Brief focuses on how EU occupational health and safety may be affected by the Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership (TTIP). It draws attention to the connections between the TTIP and the REFIT programme which according to the author share a common objective, namely, to place... Find out more

The REACH Regulation which lays down the rules for marketing and using chemicals in Europe is undoubtedly one of the most far-reaching legislative reforms of the last twenty years. It enhances European competitiveness while giving improved protection to human health and the environment. The unions... Find out more

This Policy Brief addresses the need for a governance response from the European bodies to establish a registry of nanomaterial-containing articles. Better comprehensive data is urgently needed to improve knowledge of what is on the market, who is exposed and what should be regulated. Member States... Find out more