Evaluation of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive
E) Protecting the health and safety of PPPs users
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| E) Protecting the health and safety of PPPs users
Using pesticides has an impact on the working conditions and health of farmers and their families, sometimes leading to chronic diseases, cancers and work accidents. Pesticides users are usually obliged by law to follow safety procedures in all Member States, but in practice, the rules are sometimes neglected, especially in big companies (Spain – trade unions). For instance, under the requirements of the law on health and safety at work in Bulgaria, all workers handling poisonous chemical substances should follow a set of specific instructions regarding equipment and use of the substances. These instructions are mandatory for employers, but there is a lack of compliance on the ground. Stakeholders strongly recommended that personal protection equipment be provided to all farmers (Bulgaria – trade unions). They also suggested that incentives could be introduced for better compliance. Bulgarian trade unions suggested that CAP payments should be made conditional on compliance with health and safety criteria: funding should be allocated to farms ensuring safe working conditions (Bulgaria – trade unions). One Croatian trade union indicated that the union has obtained a 10% salary increase for pesticides handlers complying with best protective measures (Croatia – trade unions). Many farmers and consumers are not fully aware of the consequences of pesticides use on the environment and on human and animal health - especially amateur farmers and those using pesticides in private farms and cities (Bulgaria – various activities). Therefore, raising awareness of the possible harmful effects of PPPs on their users is of primary importance. Farmers should receive basic education, complemented by specific professional training and further health and safety training (Croatia – trade unions). The training of farmers should also promote the use of proper hygiene and personal protective equipment when handling pesticides. Finally, there is a lack of data on the risks of pesticides to health. There is a need for more awareness-raising, including in schools, training, and impact assessment of the risks of pesticides on health (Bulgaria – trade unions).
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