The European Commission adopts an updated Recommendation concerning occupational diseases
The European Commission adopts an updated Recommendation concerning the European Schedule of occupational diseases.
The European Commission recommends recognising COVID-19 as occupational disease in certain sectors and during a pandemic (on 28th November 2022).
The EU Commission recommends that all Member States recognise COVID-19 as an occupational disease WHEN contracted by workers in the specific sectors as outlined below:-
• in disease prevention
• in health and social care
• in domiciliary assistance
• or in a pandemic context in other sectors where there is an outbreak and where a risk of infection has been proven
This follows a tripartite agreement reached in May 2022 by Member States, workers and employers in the Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work on the need to recognise COVID-19 as an occupational disease.
The Commission also stresses the importance of supporting workers infected by COVID-19 and families who have lost members because of work exposure to the disease. It aims to strengthen the protection of workers and encourage a consistent approach across the EU. It will be for Member States to follow up on this Recommendation and define the details in national law.
The recognition and compensation of occupational diseases is up to individual countries (principle of subsidiarity applies) as it is acknowledged by the Commission as a national competence. While most Member States already recognise COVID-19 as an occupational disease or accident at work, this recommendation aims to further encourage convergence and the recognition of COVID-19 as an occupational disease across the EU. The recommendation also contributes to implementing the EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027, which announced this update.
COVID-19 (including variants of SARS-CoV-2) is still prevalent in Ireland. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre publishes new and updated guidance on prevention and control precautions for COVID-19 in specific workplace settings.
The HSE also provides information and advice about COVID-19, including symptoms. testing, vaccination, and self-isolation.
