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It’s risky out there

High risk sectorAccidents – falling from heightsMSD – heavy lifting, movements, repetitive workChemical exposureStress

But construction is also …- work of high quality- giving opportunities to use skills- autonomy- interacting with fellow workers- etc.

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OHS of migrant workers– who cares?

By Ulrik Spannow, EWHN 2006

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Migration is not new• Construction has always

been trans-national• For instance:

- Originally, the Danish carpenters were taught by the Germans

- Constructing the bridge between DK and Sweden included workers from 13 countries

• The construction labour market is an open one

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European project• Trade union study on

migrant workers• Initiated by the European

Trade Union Institute For Research, Education and Health & Safety

• Objectives:1) To collect best practices in the OHS activities related to MW 2) To publish a brochure on TU initiatives & setting out guidelines for the future

• Time schedule: 2007

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The Danish case on MW

• Lack of scientific based evidence• But plenty of experiences• What are your experiences?

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Migrant workers in DK

Country of origin?PolandLithuaniaLatvia & EstoniaGermanySweden Etc.

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Active work permits, const

Active work-permits for persons from new EU-countries (all sectors)

Source: Labour Market Administration (Arbejdsmarkedsstyrelsen)

957621449378240173128834Total

111110000Slovenia

4581044320Czech Republic

98101196540Slovakia

111210986520Estonia

1366863320Hungary

45271918119650Latvia

19512810294522724141Lithuania

67943429322714911882543Poland

2006Q22006Q12005Q42005Q32005Q22005Q12004Q42004Q32004Q2

Source: Labour Market Administration (Arbejdsmarkedsstyrelsen)

957621449378240173128834Total

111110000Slovenia

4581044320Czech Republic

98101196540Slovakia

111210986520Estonia

1366863320Hungary

45271918119650Latvia

19512810294522724141Lithuania

67943429322714911882543Poland

2006Q22006Q12005Q42005Q32005Q22005Q12004Q42004Q32004Q2

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Danish situationIn DK: 12-15.000 workers from the new EU countries, since EU25

• Steeply increasing numbers in 2006

• MW have an impact on the Danish construction labour market

• MW are a big issue of the TU, in order to avoid social dumping

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• MW are less aware of the risks at work

• MW worry less about OHS

• Migrant workers are more exposed to accidents and MSD than the national workers

• Poor housing & welfare conditions

• MW is a vulnerable group

• MW rarely contact the Danish Trade unions

• How come?

MW OHS, experiences

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MW OHS, experiences

MW plays a double role:On top of being more exposed to OHS risks…MW also affect the OHS situation of the fellow (national) construction workers, due to language problems and different “safety cultures”

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“Foreign companies are often less serious than domestic ones”

Reasons?• They stay for a short period of time• They are more focused on short term profits• They become aware of the rules after signing a contract

ControllingThe foreign companies often try to avoid the attention of the authorities. By this they are harder to control.

Foreign companies

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Reactions of the inspectorate given to foreign construction companies in DK:8 in 2003; 15 in 2004; 73 in 2005; 166 in the first 9 months of 2006• 10% of the cases involving reactions did involve MW – due to recent inspection in construction• The labour inspectorate has tabled brochures on OHS, in German, Polish & Lithuanian

Labour inspection

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Reflections - 1What is the situation like in your country?

• OHS of MW?• OHS in foreign companies? Any examples?

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Reflections - 2Strategies for improvements

• What can be done, while we are waiting for the Governments and labour inspectors to take action?

• What can the migrant workers do on their own?

• What can the trade unions do?- host TU?- TU in the country of origin?

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Reflections - 3How to make

improvements?

• EU15 contractors are said to provide a better OHS standard at sites, when contracting in the new members states? Do you agree?

• Is it possible to keep the new OHS standard, when the foreign contractors are leaving?

• Possible ways keep improvements?

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“OHS is an lever to increase organising and TU influence”

Correct?OHS 1. A matter of workers’ interest

- and their families2. Easy to improve3. Accepted in society4. A matter of law:

Employer obligation Risk assessment etc.

5. Gives access to the workers- via active workers as safety reps

OHS: A tool for organising?