Dr Jukka Takala, Director of EU-OSHA, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (left) and Mr László Andor, Commissioner, started the 2010 campaign

Maintenance is essential to prevent workplace risks, but it is itself  a high risk activity for the workers that carry it out. It is estimated  that in Europe 10-15% of fatal accidents at work can be attributed to  maintenance operations. It is vital, therefore, that maintenance is  carried out properly, taking into consideration workers’ safety and  health.

Launching the Campaign at the European Commission’s headquarters in  Brussels, Dr Jukka Takala, Director of EU-OSHA, alongside the EU  Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Mr László  Andor, outlined the campaign’s objectives and the basic rules for safe  maintenance as a key contribution to healthy workplaces.

Mr Andor giving his backing to the Campaign, said: “Maintenance  is a daily part of every workplace and sector. The 20% of accidents  currently linked to maintenance is too high and shows it's an area where  we have to raise awareness and step up our efforts ". He added: "Our  overall strategy is to cut all work-related accidents in the EU by 25%  over the coming years. This campaign will help to raise awareness about  maintenance-related risks, saving lives across Europe and bringing us  closer to our overall goal for safer and healthier workplaces ”.

Poorly managed maintenance activities and procedures raise the risks  of workplace accidents, including fatal accidents, involving workers at  all levels across a wide range of industries. In one of the worst  incidents of its kind in Europe, the Piper Alpha disaster of 1988 saw  the North Sea oil and gas platform turned into a blazing inferno within  seconds, killing 167 workers – a tragic example of the potential  consequences of inadequate maintenance procedures.

You can download the official campaign guide and other campaign  materials (presentations, publications and promotional material in 22  languages) and find campaign events that will be happening near you, on  the Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2010/11 website: http://hw.osha.europa.eu  

Safe Maintenance campaign website

Maintenance at a  glance