2
Oct
2023
Watch
Protection of workers from asbestos (debate)
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, after almost 20 years of standstill, workers will finally be better protected against asbestos at work. And that is right, because unfortunately today a lot of people still bear the consequences of using it. Every year 80 000 workers die from unprotected exposure that often occurred more than ten years ago. As a child, I was told that asbestos couldn't hurt as long as you didn't drill holes in it. That's bullshit, of course. Unfortunately, today we know better, because by weathering, by the removal of asbestos, fibers are indeed released and those fibers are life-threatening. In Flanders and throughout Europe, our buildings are full of asbestos and with the renovation wave in full swing, our plumbers, our construction workers, are at enormous risk. We need to improve the protection of our workers, and that is possible with this directive. The exposure limit is going down considerably, as we as a Parliament have demanded. Workers get better training, better equipment, better prevention. I really call on the Member States to introduce this law as soon as possible, because every asbestos death is one too many. There's no time to lose. The renovation wave starts now. And finally, Véronique, dear colleague, thank you for your unwavering support, your commitment to people's health. I would like to dedicate this vote to you.