Recognition of work-related mental conditions as occupational diseases or accidents in the EU

Introduction

The OSH Pulse survey conducted by EU-OSHA in 2025 shows that 29% of workers experience stress, anxiety or depression caused or made worse by work[1]. The high level of psychosocial risks impacts workers’ mental health and raises a key question: when should mental health disorders be recognised as having an occupational origin? Recognising a mental health condition as an occupational disease or an accident at work is important for several reasons. It helps draw attention to psychosocial risks at both policy and organisational levels, which can encourage the development of more effective prevention measures.In addition it often gives workers access to more…