The Role of Sanctions in European Labour Inspection Policy and Practice

Introduction

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the European Union (EU) is regulated by Member State Labour Inspectorates that manage the day-to-day activities of Labour Inspectors. The traditional role of Labour Inspectors is to monitor and enforce workplace standards in order to ensure the safety and health of EU employees. The ability to enforce OSH standards is facilitated by legally binding sanction powers that all Labour Inspectors in EU Member States possess. Although, in practice, persuasion through advice and education is preferred by Labour Inspectors to support compliance, these sanction powers are used as necessary.This monitoring and enforcement by…