A new one was brought EU strategic framework for health and safety at work for the period 2021 – 2027.‎ The new framework, announced in the Action Plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights, sets out key priorities and measures needed to improve the health and safety of workers over the coming years in the context of the post-pandemic world.

Green and digital transition

It is a world that will be marked by a green and digital transition, economic and demographic challenges and a changing notion of the traditional work environment. The framework has three broad objectives – change, prevention and preparedness.

The EU’s strategic security frameworks have played a key role in how national authorities and social partners decide on post-election targets for almost 20 years. These goals include i. increasing compliance with common priorities; Ii. facilitating cooperation; Iii. initiating investments in OSH; and IV. promoting concrete measures at workplace level.

Therefore, the new strategic framework focuses on three key objectives for next year:

• Anticipating and managing changes in the new world of work caused by the green, digital and demographic transitions.
• Improving the prevention of accidents and diseases in the workplace.
• Increasing readiness for any potential future health crises.

In order to achieve these objectives, action needs to be taken at EU, national, sectoral and business level.

Mental health of workers

In the context
of the gradual digitalisation of
work and the risks posed by it, the framework document also draws attention to the Commission’s proposals for a regulation governing machinery products and another regulation governing artificial intelligence.

First of all, it places special emphasis on the mental health of workers, which has often been neglected in the past. Even without the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, digital transformation in the workplace can challenge and overwhelm the human psyche in a variety of ways. This is why the Commission has announced an EU initiative to assess the mental health problems of workers caused by digital work and propose guidelines for countermeasures by the end of 2022.

More investigations into accidents in the workplace

Prevention

remains a fundamental theme of the strategy. More workplace accident investigations, more information for workers and stricter enforcement of safety and health regulations are meant to achieve the ambitious goal of Vision Zero. The causes of cardiovascular disease and work-related musculoskeletal disorders have not yet been sufficiently investigated, nor are employees and employers adequately aware of them.

Under the third heading Preparedness for future crises, the Commission set out a contingency procedure for future potential health crises. This includes, in particular, a mechanism by which Member States inform the Commission of the occurrence of crisis-related hazards to health at work and the relevant national safety and health plans.