WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2976/97 by Joaquín SISÓ CRUELLAS to the Commission. Health of farmers in the EU
C 117/120 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 4. 98 (98/C 117/152) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2976/97 by Joaqu ·n Siso· Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission (17 September 1997) Subject: Health of farmers in the EU The men and women who work in the fields of Europe are exposed to numerous diseases related to their work. One of the most widespread occupational diseases in the countryside is brucellosis (also known as undulant fever) which is transmitted by contact, via airborne bacteria or through ingestion of dairy products derived from the milk of infected animals. There are other diseases of infectious origin as well, such as tuberculosis (transmitted via the milk of sick cows) and carbuncles, and also ones of parasitic origin, not to mention animal and insect bites. Moreover, the use (and misuse) of everyday machinery (certain tools, engines, mowing machines, etc. ) produces vibration which, if experienced constantly and intensively, can cause significant damage to bone and muscle. Excessive exposure to the sun and health problems caused by the handling of chemicals are also a significant factor and can give rise to skin complaints. Lastly, high stress levels affect women farm workers in particular since they often work outside the farm as well as performing agricultural tasks, running a household and bringing up children. In view of the fact that prevention campaigns need to be significantly broadened in order to minimize (and as much as possible prevent) the impact which such diseases may have on farm workers, could the Commission say whether there are any Community initiatives designed to alleviate (and ultimately resolve) this state of affairs? Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (10 November 1997) The Commission is fully aware of the occupational risks to which farm workers are exposed. There is an extensive corpus of European legislation concerned with the safety and health of workers, including farm workers. Directive 89/391/EEC on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (1) applies to all sectors of activity, including agriculture. Moreover, Directive 90/679/EEC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work (2) (amended subsequently by Directive 93/88/EEC (3) and by Directive 95/30/EEC (4)) lays down measures to be applied to activities in which workers are exposed or are liable to be exposed to biological agents such as those mentioned in the question. Commission Recommendation No 90/326/EEC concerning the adoption of a European schedule of occupational diseases (5), addressed to the Member States, includes several diseases mentioned by the Honourable Member, such as brucellosis, tuberculosis and infectious or parasitic diseases transmitted to man by animals or animal remains. Within the context of the Community programme on safety, hygiene and health at work (1996-2000), the Commission, with the aid of the information supplied by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, will examine whether other measures need to be introduced in the future. (1) OJ L 183, 29. 6. 1989. (2) OJ L 374, 31. 12. 1990. (3) OJ L 268, 29. 10. 1993. (4) OJ L 155, 6. 7. 1995. (5) OJ L 160, 26. 6. 1990