Over recent weeks, we have been shining a light on the dangerous conditions faced by workers in the European battery sector. These include working in zero-humidity environments that cause cracked skin, nosebleeds and potential lung damage, or enduring daily exposure to hazardous substances.

Yet, despite understanding workplace risks better than anyone, workers are often not consulted by management, even though they know better than anyone what they need to feel safe.

They see the risks firsthand, feel the pressure and must live with the consequences. That is why we are demanding workers' active participation in safety. Safety only works when workers have a voice, and any approach that excludes them is simply destined to fail.

The evidence speaks for itself: when workers are excluded from safety planning, accidents increase. When unions are involved, safety improves.

This is why, in our latest campaign leaflet, we are demanding that employers:

• Include workers in safety inspections and risk assessments.
• Create simple reporting systems with no bureaucratic obstacles.
• Protect whistleblowers from retaliation. No worker should be punished for reporting dangers.