Health & Safety Matters supports EU-OSHA campaign

Stress is the second most frequently reported work- related health problem in Europe and, along with other psychosocial risks, is thought to account for more than half (50–60 %) of all lost working days. A poor psychosocial work environment can have significant negative effects on workers’ health.

Promoting the management of work-related stress and psychosocial risks, and thereby preventing their significant negative effects for workers, employers and governments, is the key aim of this campaign. Effectively tackling psychosocial risks creates a work environment in which workers stay healthy, the workplace culture is more positive, and, consequently, business performance improves.

Psychosocial risks occur in every workplace, but even with only limited resources they can be successfully assessed and managed. This campaign provides support and guidance for workers and employers in managing work-related stress and psychosocial risks, and promotes the use of practical, user- friendly tools to facilitate this.

‘Healthy Workplaces Manage Stress’ is a pan-European campaign, coordinated by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). Healthy Workplaces Campaigns are the largest of their kind in the world and are significant drivers for change and improvement in workplace safety and health.

Who can take part?

‘Healthy Workplaces Manage Stress’ invites all organisations and individuals at local, national and European levels to take part. The campaign is open to:

• All employers in the public and private sectors;

• Managers, supervisors and workers;

• Trades unions and safety representatives;

• All organisations and individuals dedicated to improving safety and health.

How can you get involved?

You can get involved in the Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2014–15 by:

• Disseminating and publicising campaign materials to help raise awareness of occupational safety and health (a variety of campaign materials are available to download from the campaign website, www.healthy-workplaces.eu);

• Organising events and activities such as seminars and workshops;

• Using and promoting the practical tools available for managing work-related stress and psychosocial risks;

• Taking part in the European Good Practice Awards competition, a scheme that recognises the contributions organisations have made to promoting safety and health;

• Getting involved in the European Weeks for Safety and Health at Work, October 2014 and 2015;

• Becoming an official EU