WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1649/98 by Anna KARAMANOU to the Commission. Stress at work and its consequences
22. 2. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 50/65 (1999/C 50/092) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1647/98 by Panayotis Lambrias (PPE) to the Commission (29 May 1998) Subject: Solid fuels and Community energy policy Why have solid and fossil fuels been excluded from the draft fifth research and technological development programme when there are countries in the European Union which still use them to a considerable extent and it is, therefore, imperative to develop the technology to improve fuel? Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (14 July 1998) The Commission is aware of the major part played by solid fossil fuels in the world and European energy equation. A section on solid fuels is specifically provided for in the activities proposed under the 5th draft framework programme for research and technological development (RTD) (1). RTD activities are provided for, especially in order to improve coal combustion efficiency within the specific programme entitled Preserving the ecosystemí (2) and more particularly within the two key activities devoted to energy, thus minimising its environmental impact, and in order to make the prospecting for, mining and production of fossil fuels more efficient. (1) COM(97) 142 final. (2) COM(98) 306 final. (1999/C 50/093) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1649/98 by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission (29 May 1998) Subject: Stress at work and its consequences A recent study carried out by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions in the 15 Member States of the EU reveals that more than one in three Europeans suffer from work-related stress. The study found that stress is steadily on the increase and has a high incidence among European workers. 9-12 % of men and 9-11 % of women in the EU are subjected to high levels of stress for most of their working day, which severely affects their health and creativity. How does the Commission intend to intervene and what measures will it take to deal with this problem? Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (13 July 1998) One of the priorities in the Commission work programme on health and safety at work 1996-2000 was to analyse the action necessary at Community level on the prevention of stress at work. In part this decision was based on a 1994 study for the Commission on the design and delivery of effective guidance on work-related stress. The advisory committee for safety, hygiene and health protection at work investigated the issue, and the recommendations in its report provide a valuable basis for the future activities of the Commission. In 1998 the Commission intends to take forward the report of the advisory committee together with the European agency for health and safety at work and the European foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions