“There is a lot missing to deserve the designation as a modernization law,” say ÖGB Federal Managing Director Ingrid Reischl and AK Division Manager for Social Affairs Ines Stilling.
Vienna (OTS) – Today a new law will be presented in the Health Committee to update the list of occupational diseases. On the one hand, this includes a welcome restructuring of the list, and on the other hand, the addition of some diseases: such as non-melanoma skin cancer, which outdoor workers suffer from due to constant UV radiation. This has been recognized as an occupational disease in Germany since 2015 and has been one of the most frequently recognized occupational diseases for years – the need for action in Austria is therefore clearly urgent.
“Modernization” is stalling
However, there are numerous other illnesses that must be legally taken into account in a well-founded and occupational medically proven manner. Austria is clearly lagging behind in international comparison. The need to catch up is not only reflected in the number of recognized occupational diseases, but also in how necessary updates are handled. In Germany, expansions are initiated regularly and based on evidence via an expert advisory board. In the interests of modernization, similar instruments are also needed in Austria. “With the new law there would also have been the possibility of implementation. The fact that this wasn’t used is annoying,” says Reischl, commenting on the loophole in the law.
Mental suffering remains invisible
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and mental illnesses are also not taken into account. “There is a lot of catching up to do there and many employees affected,” says Reischl. “There is enormous pressure on employees. The recognition of work-related mental illnesses would not only be an important support, but also a contribution to destigmatization,” says AK division manager Stilling. The restrictive practice in recognizing Long Covid as an occupational disease is particularly tragic. People from many professional groups who worked during the height of the corona pandemic and became infected at work continue to be left in the lurch
Stilling pays additional attention to the recent reductions in accident insurance contributions under the guise of lowering non-wage labor costs. The AUVA still has no prevention mandate to curb work-related illnesses.
These deficiencies in the bill are very regrettable, ÖGB and AK are therefore calling for a comprehensive change to the existing basis so that this law deserves the name “Occupational Diseases Modernization Act”.
Questions & Contact:
ÖGB communication
Perigan Eraslan
Tel.: 0664/780 098 13
Email: perigan.eraslan@oegb.at
www.oegb.at
Vienna Chamber of Labor
Michael Mayer
066488156286
michael.mayer@akwien.at
www.arbeiterkammer.at
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