A new report from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work addresses for the first time how occupational safety and health measures can increase the employability of European workers. The report brings together 26 case studies of initiatives from a variety of organizations in 13 Member States. The programs emphasize prevention, rehabilitation, reintegration, and health promotion.
The report describes the 26 initiatives, the results obtained, the problems encountered, and the transferability of the lessons learned. Included in the report are such case studies as Finland’s MWA program of 1992, which was aimed at reversing the growing trend towards early retirement and reducing the high level of work-related disabilities, and has succeeded by encouraging participation in the development of work-related health and productivity at the workplace level.
Another study highlights the Netherlands’ Interest group agreements on workplace health and safety, in which government and social partners are jointly responsible for promoting improvements in high-risk working conditions, such as hazardous noise and exposure to solvents. Financial incentives, public information campaigns, and tax breaks have all been used, and employers and employees can incorporate the agreement into their collective bargaining agreements.
For a summary of the report in English, or for the full text of the report in English, visit the European Agency. The printed report “Occupational Safety and Health and Employability: programmes, practices and experiences,” European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, 2001, ISBN 92-95007-18-2 can be ordered from the European Agency’s sales agents.
