Agreement in Europe to recognise it in the areas of socio-health and home care
Another step is taken towards the recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational disease. The EU Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work, which brings together Member States, workers and employers, has reached agreement on the need to recognise Covid-19 as an occupational disease in the fields of socio-occupational healthcare and home care and, in a pandemic context, in areas where there is a greater risk of infection, and have also supported an update of the EU list of occupational diseases.
Yesterday’s agreement is an important step in the implementation of the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027, adopted by the Commission in June 2021. The framework sets out the key actions which are needed at the EU level to improve the health and safety of workers in the coming years. One of its key cross-cutting objectives is to improve preparedness for potential future health crises. This objective also implies a strengthening of support to workers during any future waves of Covid-19.