Community news|29/06/21

The new EU strategic framework on OSH is published

Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe > The new EU strategic framework on OSH is published

Today, the European Commission officially launched its new strategic framework for ensuring the health and safety of workers in a changing world of work. It covers the period 2021-2027.

The three main objectives are:

  • Anticipating and managing change in the new world of work: To ensure safe and healthy workplaces during the digital, green and demographic transitions, the Commission will review the Workplaces Directive and the Display Screen Equipment Directive and update protective limits on asbestos and lead. It will prepare an EU-level initiative related to mental health at work that assesses emerging issues related to workers’ mental health and puts forward guidance for action.
  • Improving prevention of work-related diseases and accidents: This strategic framework will promote a ‘vision zero’ approach to eliminate work-related deaths in the EU. The Commission will also update EU rules on hazardous chemicals to combat cancer, reproductive, and respiratory diseases.
  • Increasing preparedness for possible future health threats: Drawing lessons from the current pandemic, the Commission will develop emergency procedures and guidance for the rapid deployment, implementation and monitoring of measures in potential future health crises, in close cooperation with public-health actors.

The aftermath of Covid-19, digitalisation and ecological transition are causing unprecedented changes in the nature of work, workplaces and the way we work. They have been taken into account in the new strategic framework which aims to mobilise the EU institutions, Member States, social partners and other stakeholders.

European Commission press release

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