European Agency for Safety and Health

Arrangement with PAHO to strengthen European Agency’s contribution to improve safety and health at work in the Americas

Today, Dr Mirta Roses Periago, Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, signed a cooperation arrangement on the exchange of information on workers’ health. A joint website will offer comprehensive occupational safety and health information and PAHO will serve as a virtual focal point for these issues in the Americas.

The signing ceremony at the European Commission offices in Madrid was also attended by Jos Luis Gonzlez Vallv, Director of the European Commission’s Representation in Spain.

Commenting on the conclusion of the arrangement, Mr Konkolewsky said: With PAHO as a partner we significantly strengthen our relationship with the Americas. PAHO’s wealth of experience and regional infrastructure will add an important dimension to the Agency’s online information network. I firmly believe that our joint website will provide an effective tool to contribute to healthy, safe and productive workplaces in the region.

PAHO is an international public health agency, including all 36 countries in the Americas as members. PAHO has 100 years of experience in working towards improved health and living standards of the people of the Americas. It enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system, serving as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organisation.

The cooperation arrangement with PAHO follows up on a previous arrangement the Agency had concluded with the Organisation of American States (OAS) in 2003. Also under the new arrangement OAS will participate as a key institutional partner for the development of the joint website.