- 29 May 2008 - ISBC and ISBE supported by the FSB (Belfast, November 08)
- 19 Nov. 2007 - Rome I: Time for the EP to demonstrate its commitment to Better Regulation
- 01 Oct. 2007 - ESBA Backs Member's Campaign to Reduce Admin Burdens
- 29 June 2007 - ESBA welcomes the flexible approach to ‘Flexicurity’
- 24 May 2007 - Lower roaming charges are good news for SMEs, says ESBA
- 16 May 2007 - ESBA applauds MEPs for backing a Green Hydrogen Economy
- 12 March 2007 - Simplicity is key for SMEs in New Health and Safety Strategy
- 23 Feb. 2007 - Energy: ESBA supports binding targets for renewables
- 16 Feb. 2007 - New consumer rules will damage online business, says ESBA
- 13 Dec. 2006 - REACH vote in plenary – mixed result for SMEs
- 07 Dec. 2006 - ESBA welcomes MEP's call to withdraw ESCS Plan
- 06 Nov. 2006 - ESBA backs retaining the WTD opt-out clause
- 23 Oct. 2006 - ESBA Releases its new ‘ESBA Activities 2006-2007’ Publication
- 10 Oct. 2006 - ESBA says SMEs disappointed with EP vote on REACH
- 21 Sept. 2006 - ESBA case studies oppose the proposal on ESCS
- 07 Sept. 2006 - More Commission Staff should get Experience in SMEs!
- 30 Aug. 2006 - ESBA opposes the Commission's proposal on ESCS
- 24 July 2006 - ESBA supports a European SBAct
- 06 July 2006 - Retention of Earnings best way to finance SMEs
- 14 June 2006 - CIP is not enough!!
- 04 May 2006 - ESBA Elects its New President
- 14 Feb. 2006 - Services Directive: A good Compromise
Simplicity is key for SMEs in New Health and Safety Strategy
Brussels, 12th March 2007
ESBA recognises the importance of a strategy for health and safety in the work place to reduce accidents, improve worker motivation and alleviate the financial burden on public and private protection systems. Moreover, ESBA welcomes the fact that the European Commission’s recent Communication on a strategy for health and safety for 2007-12 acknowledges the particular problems faced by SMEs when trying to implement complex systems of worker protection.
To this end, ESBA would like to emphasise the importance of the Commission’s commitment to develop simple tools to develop risk assessment, the distribution of simple, clear guidelines, and economic incentives for micro-enterprises and SMEs. Currently, these support structures have not been outlined in any sufficient detail, and ESBA hopes to see more specific information over the coming months.
In addition, with regards to coercive measures, ESBA stresses that these should only be employed with the utmost restraint. SMEs must be given every opportunity and assistance to comply with regulations, as lack of compliance will usually be the result of a lack of clear understanding of requirements. ESBA will also hold the Commission to its promise of incorporating the principles of ‘Better Regulation’ and ensuring that legislation is implemented appropriately in all Member States.
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Note to the editor:
The European Small Business Alliance is a non-party political European group, which cares for small business entrepreneurs and the self-employed and represents them through targeted EU advocacy activities. ESBA also works towards the development of strong independent advocacy and benefits groups in European countries. Today, ESBA is one of the largest organisations based on voluntary membership in Europe. Through its direct membership, associate membership and cooperation agreements, ESBA represents almost one million small businesses and covers 35 European countries For more information, please contact: secretariat@esba-europe.org
Page last updated: 05/07/2007 3:59:12 PM