The European OSH policy framework for the period 2014-2020 has had a significant and positive impact, according to a report published by the European Commission on Monday 23 August (see EUROPE 12750/2).
Although the particularly broad nature of the framework precludes precise data on its concrete effects, the authors note, the study found “clear progress” in the implementation of the seven strategic objectives, despite a slight delay of about a year (2017 instead of the originally anticipated 2016) in the realisation of some actions.
The most significant progress has been made under the first objective dedicated to the alignment of national occupational safety and health rules with the European framework. The authors believe that there is now good coherence and synergy between the national and European frameworks, although some of the people and/or entities interviewed would have liked an even more “robust” strategy, with even more precise objectives. Some respondents also reported a “slight disconnect” between the challenges identified in the European framework and the concrete actions and objectives planned.
On the basis of the data and responses collected, the authors of the report recommend that the long-term objectives of the strategy should be combined with short-term action plans in the future to facilitate the operationalisation of the framework. They also recommend strengthening the resources to implement the objectives of the OSH, notably through the European Social Fund.
They also suggest that more attention should be paid to the emergence of atypical work statuses, but also to the consequences of climate change and possible future pandemics.
To consult the report: https://bit.ly/388Usg5 (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)