The European Commission sees nanotechnologies as key to industrial development and smart growth in the EU. The ETUC has insisted that changes resulting from the introduction of nanotechnologies in the workplace should not create further inequalities between workers. There is a need to upgrade a range of skills, and create new ones, and to educate and train workers in a wide range of sectors.

It is vital to protect workers’ health and safety in light of emerging risks arising from the introduction of nanomaterials in the workplace.