Launch of the EU OSH Strategic Framework 2021-2027
On 28 June, the European Commission officially has launched its ambitious new Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work, with the goal of keeping workers safe and healthy in a rapidly changing world of work.
Its focus is clear: anticipating and managing change, improving the prevention of workplace accidents and illnesses, and increasing preparedness for potential future health crises.
As COVID-19, digitalisation and the green transition bring unprecedented changes to the nature of work and where and how we do it, the new framework aims to mobilise EU institutions, Member States, social partners and other stakeholders around these key priorities.
EU-OSHA will play a vital role in implementing the framework by facilitating action, cooperation and exchange among its extensive network of partners, and supporting a prevention culture in workplaces across the EU and beyond.
3 key objectives
The strategic framework focuses on three key objectives for the coming years:
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.
