In general, the Council's common position complies with the spirit of the Commission proposal and largely takes into account the amendments submitted following the first reading in the European Parliament. Some points have been reformulated or strengthened. The most significant difference in relation to the Commission proposal is the introduction of the possibility for the Member States to make use of a transitional period of not more than two years in order to facilitate the practical implementation of the Directive.
The Commission supports the common position in its entirety.
Moreover, in the Annex, the Commission is invited by the Council to take action regarding the requirements for products for the purpose of improving technical features, in particular scaffolding. The Commission takes note of the Council's invitation and will give it all due consideration. The Commission also states that it intends to prepare a communication concerning all persons employed in preparing, performing and completing temporary work at a height.
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