In frank conversation, EU-OSHA’s Executive Director Dr Christa Sedlatschek invites Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, to share his views on how — in practice —the new framework anticipates and manages change given the fundamental transformations surrounding digitalisation, telework, platform work, artificial intelligence and the green agenda. Prevention is another key priority of the framework, something that has always been at the heart of EU-OSHA’s work. Dr Sedlatschek and Commissioner Schmit also consider what can be learned from the pandemic, to ensure preparedness for similar crises and to minimise future health, social and economic impacts.

Commissioner Nicolas Schmit explains:

“As we build back better from the crisis, ensuring workers have a high level of protection of their health and safety at work has to be a priority. We must commit to a ‘vision zero’ approach when it comes to work-related deaths in the EU. Of course being healthy at work is not only about our physical state, it is also about our mental health and well-being. I count on the continued invaluable support of our agency EU-OSHA to promote the new strategic OSH framework and help Member States implement their national plans.”

One thing that the pandemic has made clear are the inequalities that still exist in Europe: certain groups of workers are particularly vulnerable to health and economic risks, and this must be addressed to protect essential services such as health care and food production. This inequality is visible not only in workplaces but also in the broader social context. In his keynote speech, Sir Michael Marmot, Professor of Epidemiology, University College London, provides his perspective on why, post pandemic, we should ‘Build Back Fairer’, by rethinking the nature of work and society — looking at health inequality, food poverty, living conditions and structural racism — to ensure fair employment and a healthy standard of living for all.  

These values underpin the new strategic framework and realising its goals depends on the actions of EU institutions, Member States and social partners, representatives of which provide their perspectives on implementing the framework in the symposium’s interactive panel discussion.

EU-OSHA is well placed to play a pivotal role in this implementation, as Dr Sedlatschek says:

‘Through its extensive network of partners, EU-OSHA will facilitate action, cooperation and exchange, and deliver on the ambitions of the framework. Our activities in different areas, from prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and stress at work to beating work-related cancer, demonstrate our commitment to promoting a culture of prevention across Europe and beyond. The many achievements and successes during my 10 years at the Agency provide a rock-solid foundation for the next chapter in occupational safety and health.’

The launch of the framework marks the beginning of a new era of worker protection: no matter where, when or how work is carried out, everyone — without exception — should have the right to safe and healthy working conditions.

Links:

• Visit EU-OSHA’s web section on the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work
• Find out more about the symposium and watch it live