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Introduction

Impact assessment is a key process for setting out detailed information about the potential effects of policy measures including economic and social costs and benefits. Impact assessments allow policy makers to make informed choices on whether or not to implement a policy intervention and select an appropriate policy instrument. This article describes the process, key methodologies and tools used in impact assessment. It also presents a review of key impact assessments carried out in relation to occupational safety and health policies at the EU level and highlights the costs and benefits of the process.

Impact assessment: context

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Introduction

The European Union sets legislation in the form of Directives, based on the legal foundation established in Article 153 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. EU legislature has established a system of basic principles of safety management, which must be transposed into national law by the Member States. Thus the principles are applicable in all establishments in the European Union.

General basic requirements for safety and health at workplaces are laid down in Directive 1989/654/EEC concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace (in the following referred to as WPD). The aim of this Directive is to introduce…