European Social Dialogue Agreement (ESDA)

Crystallineline Silica (SiO2) is a substance, which is frequently used in the industries and is essential for the products and basic component of the materials used for production. Although Crystalline Silica is frequently found in nature, inhalation of some dust that contains crystalline silica can be dangerous in terms of health.   

Considering that exposure to crystalline silica is controllable, it is possible for the industries that show due sensitivity for occupational health and safety to minimize the inhalable crystalline silica exposure by means of suitable and safe measures.  
Article 139 of the European Community Agreement ensures that the problems are resolved and managed based on the agreements and particularly European Social Dialogue Agreements (ESDA) are signed. Standing for European Network for Silica, NEPSI is a Network established as per the “Agreement on the Use of Crystalline Silica and Products Containing Crystalline Silica and Protection of the Health of the Employees by means of Suitable Exposure”, which is signed by the workers’ and employers’ organizations. European Cement Association (CEMBUREAU) is a member of NEPSI and also takes place at NEPSI Council, where labor and employer organizations are equally represented. NEPSI has been signed by workers’ and employers’ organizations at the European Union level, which operate in 14 sectors such as ceramic, glass, casting, fiberglass, metal, lime, mineral, aggregate, insulation, aggregate and cement. 

Contracting parties of NEPSI have been reporting their sectorial practices to NEPSI every 2 years since 2008. According to the report published in 2008, Cement Sector largely adhered to the agreement (99,3% of all cement plants in the Europe) and raised the awareness of their employees by making the necessary measurements.   

Reporting procedure is realized thanks to a program, which is prepared specifically and runs on the internet. Except for the European Union member countries, Croatia and Norway and our country volunteered as a party to the agreement. With the decision adopted by the Board of Directors of the Turkish Cement Manufacturers Association, Cement Sector of our country volunteered as a party to the agreement and it was decided to implement the agreement under the coordination of the Cement Industry Employers’ Union (CIEU).       

Reporting, which needs to be done every 2 years, for the year 2018 was completed in March.