In the framework of the Greek Presidency, the Hellenic Institute for Occupational Healthand Safety (EL.IN.Y.A.E.) has organised, on behalf of ISSA’s Research Section, its 8 thInternational Symposium. The main aim of the symposium was to present tools for theapplication of European legislation on matters of occupational health and safety, byfocusing on research on chemical hazards. The theme “chemical hazards” is of greatimportance 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 unhealthyworking 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 inunraveling those problems that prevent the application of legislation, and in improvingthe working environment and consequently the prevention of occupational diseases andaccidents.
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.)