Key findings

• Digitalisation and data-driven targeting are maximising the effectiveness of inspections as all five countries face challenges related to inspector-to-workforce ratios and limited OSH resources.
• Enforcement is shifting from a purely “command and control” model toward supportive, promotional approaches that reflect the realities of different enterprises.
• Strong collaborative networks are essential ─ no single institution can tackle OSH challenges alone, especially when reaching SMEs and vulnerable workers.
• Remote and digital support approaches and tools, from video consultations to AI chatbots, have become a permanent part of OSH systems.
• Sustainable OSH improvements depend on building internal capabilities among employers and workers through strategies tailored to different contexts and target groups.

Implications for policymakers and practitioners

• Strategies must be flexible and tailored to different contexts ─ there is no one size fits all solution.
• A portfolio approach is essential, combining multiple strategies.
• There are still significant gaps in evidence-based design, monitoring and evaluation of interventions.
• Despite advances in technology, human expertise, judgement and relationships remain crucial.
• Final message: By working together and combining digital innovation with human insight, we can strengthen OSH systems and create safer, healthier workplaces across Europe.

A growing influence on OSH

Across construction and agri‑food sectors, supply chain relations of buyers and suppliers increasingly influence how work is organised and controlled. This means OSH outcomes are no longer shaped only at company level ─ decision‑makers upstream in the chain play a decisive role.

OSH improves most when firms use both:

• Contractual governance: formal requirements, standards, certifications, audits.
• Relational governance: collaboration, dialogue, shared goals.

This hybrid approach helps distribute responsibilities fairly, enhances trust, and creates continuous improvement throughout the chain.

Practical leverage instruments

• Clear OSH criteria in tendering and procurement.
• Transparent supplier selection requirements.
• Stronger, OSH-focused contract clauses.
• Ongoing collaborative follow-up with suppliers.
• Culture of trust and collaboration.

Sector specific insights: construction and agrifood

Construction:

• Emphasising shared safety culture between clients and contractors is a particularly effective strategy.
• Safety culture plays a crucial role when multiple contractors interact.
• Shared understandings, worker engagement and bottom-up communication are essential.

Agri‑food:

• Hybrid governance increases trust and responsibility sharing.
• Results show measurable improvements to OSH and working conditions.

Policy pointers for regulators and practitioners

• Findings show that market leverage can play a significant role in advancing OSH in the supply chain, but market leverage cannot replace regulation.
• Include transparent OSH criteria in public and private procurement.
• Address the particular challenges faced by SMEs in meeting supply chain requirements.
• Integrate procurement and CSR/social‑sustainability teams to give OSH higher priority.
• Use longer‑term contracts to enable supplier stability and investment.
• Build trust through regular physical visits and open dialogue ─ including on OSH.
• Maintain flexible delivery terms and support suppliers when unforeseen issues arise.