EU-OSHA: A New Vision for Occupational Safety and Health in the Decade 2025-2034

EU-OSHA: A New Vision for Occupational Safety and Health in the Decade 2025-2034

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) recently outlined its strategy for 2025-2034, an ambitious plan that aims to ensure safer and healthier workplaces in an ever-changing socio-economic environment. The digital and green transformations, together with the ageing of the working population, require a comprehensive response that EU-OSHA aims to deliver through an approach based on research, prevention and collaboration.

A Strategic Plan for the Future of Work

EU-OSHA has structured its strategy around three key pillars:

1. Analysis and research on emerging risks: Identify, monitor and provide data on new hazards to the safety and health of workers, offering concrete support to European and national policies.
2. Development of innovative tools: Creation of useful resources for companies, institutions and workers, promoting effective and accessible preventive solutions.
3. Promoting a culture of prevention: Raising awareness through information campaigns and strengthening cooperation between stakeholders, from public authorities to employers and trade unions.

The Great Challenges: Digitization, Green Transition and Ageing

EU-OSHA focuses on three areas of action that represent the main challenges for occupational safety and health in the coming years:

• Risks of digitization: Automation, artificial intelligence and teleworking are transforming the labour market. The strategy aims to ensure that such innovations do not compromise workers' well-being, preventing risks such as hyperconnection stress, excessive workloads and data security.
• Ecological transition and new employment risks: The adoption of sustainable technologies entails changes in production processes. EU-OSHA will work to ensure that this transition is accompanied by measures to protect workers from exposure to new chemicals and other challenges related to the use of innovative materials.
• Ageing labour force: With the increase in the average age of workers, it becomes essential to develop inclusive environments adapted to their needs, through workplace ergonomics, task adaptation and programmes to support psycho-physical well-being.

A System Based on Cooperation and Synergy

To ensure the success of the strategy, EU-OSHA relies on a network of strong collaborations. The involvement of European institutions, national governments, trade associations and social partners is essential for disseminating good practices and developing more effective prevention tools. Sharing knowledge and best practices is a key element to foster a more ingrained and aware security culture.

Expired Objectives and Measurement of Results

The Strategic Plan provides for detailed and time-bound planning to monitor the impact of the actions taken. Every year, the Executive Director of EU-OSHA will report on the planning for the next three years, setting priorities and optimising the use of available resources. Performance indicators will be defined to measure progress and ensure maximum effectiveness of the initiatives implemented.

Towards a safer future

Through this strategy, EU-OSHA remains a key player in promoting safe and sustainable working conditions. The decade 2025-2034 represents a challenge but also an opportunity to reshape the world of work with an innovative approach, based on prevention, smart use of resources and collaboration between all the actors involved.

With a clear and structured action plan, the Agency aims to make occupational safety a top priority, thus helping to improve the well-being and quality of life of millions of workers across Europe.

Download the documents mentioned in the article:
https://osha.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/EU-OSHA-Strategy-2025-2034_EN.pdf

Sources:
https://osha.europa.eu/it/publications/eu-osha-strategy-2025-2034