10/09/2007
The number of student victims at the workplace has remained constant. However, the seriousness of injuries has increased as indicated by the figures released by the CSC, the Belgian Christian Trade Union Confederation.

In 2006, work incapacity caused by accidents at the workplace was on average 10 day per year whereas in 2005, it was 7.6 days. The CSC believes the reason for this significant increase is that Belgian employers do not comply with legislation. The situation is worrying especially in the trade sector where tasks prohibited to students are not properly defined contrary to the building sector.

The CSC also criticized the lack of employers' interest towards students during the period of apprenticeship. Some employers feel it is not necessary to teach students the basic principles of safety and prevention because they only work for a short period of time.

The CSC requested an improvement of the status of student workers. It is believed that precarious work across Europe explains why their safety conditions are deteriorating.

Source: Jeunes CSC