European Parliament proposes making Marcinelle a symbol for victims of workplace accidents

Brussels – The first approval has been issued, opening the way for 8 August to become the European Day for victims of workplace accidents and for promoting workers’ protection and dignity​​. Today, 6 May, members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs approved a motion for a resolution calling for the establishment of the Day, alongside a greater commitment from institutions to reduce the number of workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and deaths. The text was adopted by 45 votes in favour, none against, and 6 abstentions.

 In 2023 (the latest year with complete data), the EU recorded 3,298 workplace fatalities and roughly 2.8 million non‑fatal accidents resulting in at least four days of absence. The choice of 8 August recalls the 1956 Marcinelle tragedy, when 262 people – including 136 Italian immigrants – died in a coal mine. A day that is “a symbol of a memory that belongs not only to Italy, but to all of Europe, and which imposes a shared responsibility on the safety front,” Salvatore De Meo, MEP for Forza Italia, said.

The Day is designed to raise public awareness of the importance of workplace prevention and safety and promote the implementation of practical initiatives in schools and workplaces. MEPs have also called on the Commission to assess and address the occupational health and safety risks associated with artificial intelligence and algorithmic management systems. According to MEPs, workers employed through digital labour platforms may “be exposed to greater risks due to intensified work rates, excessive monitoring, and insufficient transparency in algorithmic decision-making processes.” 

The resolution calls on the Commission to assess and anticipate occupational health and safety risks linked to climate-related factors, such as heat stress, extreme weather events, and air pollution. MEPs have called for effective preventive measures to be adopted based on this assessment. The issue of inspections was also raised, as these are essential to “help ensure safe and healthy workplaces.” EU countries have been called upon to strengthen labour inspectorates, equipping them with permanent staff, adequate resources, and institutional independence. 

“This resolution reaffirms that health and safety at work is a fundamental right,” said Chiara Gemma (Fratelli d’Italia), “and the memory of past tragedies must be translated into concrete action, now and in the future, to protect every worker.”

The motion will now be put to a vote in the plenary session.