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This new report from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) aims to provide a statistical and factual overview of occupational safety and health (OSH) in an important sector facing many challenges: health and social care.
The study is based on a literature review, data from several European surveys (ESENER, EWCTS, etc.) and in-depth interviews with stakeholders. It highlights the difficult working conditions, characterised by high work intensity and difficulties in reconciling work and private life. The sector employs more than 21.5 million people in the EU, most of them women (80% of the workforce). Its workers are particularly exposed to physical risks (handling of loads, repetitive movements) and psychosocial risks (stress, depression). The ageing of the population and digitalisation (use of digital devices) are also increasing workloads and professional constraints.
OHS management varies between sub-sectors, with risk assessments dominating in residential care settings. Specific measures to prevent MSDs and psychosocial risks, such as access to ergonomic advice or equipment, are in place but need to be improved, especially in smaller workplaces.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of strengthening measures to ensure the health and safety of workers, and therefore the quality of care provided to the public. The report calls for targeted interventions, better data collection and increased cooperation between OSH and public health policies to address the structural challenges in the sector.
