8th International Symposium of ISSA Research Section (Proceedings)

Tools for the application of European Directives on Health at the Workplace.
The Example of Chemical Risk



Athens (Greece) 19-21 May 2003

E.K.E.F.E. DEMOKRITOS

In the framework of the Greek Presidency, the Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health
and Safety (EL.IN.Y.A.E.) has organised, on behalf of ISSA’s Research Section, its 8 th
International Symposium. The main aim of the symposium was to present tools for the
application of European legislation on matters of occupational health and safety, by
focusing on research on chemical hazards. The theme “chemical hazards” is of great
importance and was campaigned by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work,
(Bilbao, Spain), during the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2003.

Health and safety at work is a basic component of public health. Unsafe and unhealthy
working conditions cause immeasurable human pain and may result in many diseases and even deaths. Concurrently, as has been estimated from international data, these conditions can lead to significant loses, (up to 3-5%), of the Gross National Product.

I’m convinced that the publication of the symposium’s proceedings will contribute in
unraveling those problems that prevent the application of legislation, and in improving
the working environment and consequently the prevention of occupational diseases and
accidents.

Vassilios Makropoulos

President of the Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health & Safety (EL.IN.Y.A.E.)
Professor of Occupational Medicine at the National School of Public Health
(N.S.P.H.)