Luxembourg, 13 October 2016
Joint statement
on the
Proposal for a DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
amending Directive 2004/37/EC
on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure
to carcinogens or mutagens at work
The general approach on the amendment of the Directive on Carcinogens and Mutagens
constitutes a step forward in improving the health and safety at the workplace.
However, to reach an acceptable level of protection in the European Union against the exposure
to carcinogens, we recognise that further progress needs to be made on the limit value for
Chromium VI.
In view of scientific findings, we consider that the proposed limit value for Chromium VI should
be lower to offer even better protection for workers: the residual cancer risk associated with the
proposed value is too high. Therefore, all efforts to lower the value for Chromium VI in the work
ahead are strongly encouraged and supported.
Alois STÖGER
Federal Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection
(Austria)
Kris PEETERS
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Employment, Economy and Consumers
(Belgium)
Jørn NEERGARD LARSEN
Minister for Employment
(Denmark)
Myriam EL KHOMRI
Ministre du Travail, de l’Emploi, de la Formation Professionnelle et du Dialogue Social
(France)
Andrea NAHLES
Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
(Germany)
Algimanta PABEDINSKIENĖ
Minister of Social Security and Labour
(Lithuania)
Lodewijk ASSCHER
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Employment
(The Netherlands)
Ylva JOHANSSON
Minister for Employment and Integration
(Sweden)