2. Regulations for the protection of workers

At a general level, European Council Directive 89/391/EEC of June 12, 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work lays down the general principles governing the prevention of occupational risks and the protection of the safety and health of workers. The directive applies to all sectors of activity, whether public or private, and sets out the obligations of employers and workers. It is a framework directive which was to be supplemented by specific directives on workplaces, work equipment, personal protective equipment, work with visual display units, handling of heavy loads, temporary and mobile construction sites, fishing and agriculture. Member States were required to take all necessary measures to comply with this directive by December 31, 1992 at the latest: France transposed this directive into French law by Law No. 91-1414...