EU Outlines Six-Year Health and Safety Strategy
The European Union has launched a six-year strategic framework for 2021-2027 to improve workplace health and safety through three key objectives.
The European Union has outlined three objectives in its six-year strategic plan to identify and address workplace hazards.
The first objective in the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027 is to anticipate and manage change in the context of demographic, digital and green transitions.
Another objective is to improve the prevention of work-related incidents and diseases and aim for a “Vision Zero” approach to workplace deaths.
The European Commission, which is the EU’s executive body, has also indicated plans to improve data collection on workplace accidents and occupational diseases, including analysis of the root causes of each work-related death or injury.
The third objective is to increase preparedness in responding to current and future health threats.
The framework outlines how the effects of COVID-19 revealed the importance of addressing health risks to workers during a health crisis.
In cooperation with public-health actors, the commission plans to develop guidance and emergency procedures for the deployment, implementation and monitoring of measures in potential future health crises.
In a recent press release, European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said the EU’s legislation on occupational safety and health is essential for protecting people’s lives, almost 170 million workers, and the functioning of our societies.
“The world of work is changing, driven by green, digital and demographic transitions. Healthy and safe work environments also reduce costs for people, businesses and society as a whole.”
“That is why maintaining and improving protection standards for workers remains a priority for an economy that works for people. We need more EU action to make our workplaces fit for the future.”
The European Commission said it also plans to review the Workplaces Directive and the Display Screen Equipment Directive, update protective limits on lead and asbestos, and prepare an initiative on mental health at work.
