Warsaw, 10/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European strategy on occupational health and safety is aiming for a global approach to wellbeing, taking account of changes in the world of work and the emergence of new perils, for example, psycho-social. According to the Commission, the strategy must be based on consolidation of a risk prevention culture, and these risks include the psychological and social, such as stress, bullying, depression and alcoholism. To achieve its aim, the Commission proposes using a number of policy instruments, such as social dialogue and social responsibility as well as strengthening the partnerships between health and safety players.
It was with that in mind that an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) conference was held in Warsaw at the beginning of this week. It was closely related to the implementation of the main priorities of the EUROPE 2020 Strategy: “A strategy for smart sustainable and inclusive growth”. Representatives of all member states and applicant countries, as well as of the Commission and European research institutes discussed the issue of the development of an economy “based on knowledge and innovation”. The creation of more and better quality jobs is one of the main objectives of EU social policy, but the quality of employment cannot be separated from a safe, healthy work environment, member states agree. Working with the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, the Commission has widened its operations to include information, advice and promotion of a healthy working environment, paying great attention to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Commission communication “Improving quality and productivity at work: Community strategy 2007-2012 on health and safety at work” sets out possible lines of action to make Europe's workplaces healthier and safer. (VW/transl.rt)