The project which resulted in the current report, aimed to analyse existing data in the European Union that could assist in illustrating the link between OSH and employability. The models to be used for the analysis and the definitions and key questions to be raised were discussed at a workshop in June 2000.
This report is the outcome of a seminar held in Brussels on 15th June 2004. The aims of the seminar were firstly to share information on gender and occupational safety and health (OSH) issues, including a gender-sensitive approach in OSH and how gender can be mainstreamed into OSH, and secondly to facilitate discussion and debate among EU and national authorities, social partners and experts on how to take forward gender issues in OSH. It includes proposals for taking forward gender issues in OSH.
Working life in Europe is changing at an ever-increasing speed. This includes changes in contractual arrangements, working hours, use of technology, increased ability to work away from a fixed workplace or from home etc.
The focus of the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2001 was the prevention of work-related accidents. Each year about 5 500 EU employees are killed at work, and many more are injured – figures that remain unacceptably high. Most of these accidents could be prevented and action to tackle this problem is essential if we are to reduce the human and financial toll.