Safe and healthy working conditions throughout the whole working life are good for workers, business and society as a whole. This is the main message of the 2016–17 Healthy Workplaces Campaign.
The 2016–17 Healthy Workplaces Campaign has four key objectives:
- promoting sustainable work and healthy ageing from the start of the working life;
- preventing health problems throughout the working life;
- providing ways for employers and workers to manage occupational safety and health in the context of an ageing workforce;
- and encouraging the exchange of information and good practice.
Rationale
Why is this campaign so important?
The European workforce is ageing. Retirement ages are rising and working lives are likely to become longer.
Working is good for physical and mental health, and good management of occupational safety and health increases productivity and efficiency. Demographic change can cause problems, but ensuring a sustainable working life helps to meet those challenges.
Campaign events
- Campaign launch, April 2016
- European Weeks for Safety and Health at Work, October 2016 and 2017
- Presentation of the Healthy Workplaces Good Practice Awards, April 2017
- Healthy Workplace Summit, November 2017
There are also many smaller events throughout the campaign. Get in touch to find out about workshops, seminars and networking opportunities.
Who can take part? How can you get involved?
The campaign is open to individuals as well as organisations of all sizes in all sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises. These can be, among others:
- managers, supervisors and workers;
- trade unions and safety and health representatives;
- OSH and HR professionals;
- professional associations;
- and providers of training and education.
You are encouraged to:
- pass on campaign materials;
- organise activities and events;
- use the age management tools;
- take part in the Healthy Workplaces Good Practice Awards;
- join the European Weeks for Safety and Health at Work of 2016 and 2017;
- become an official or national campaign partner;
- follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media.
Practical help
As of its official launch in April 2016, many resources are available on the dedicated campaign website at www.healthy-workplaces.eu, such as:
- reports and case studies on managing OSH in the context of an ageing workforce
- a practical e-guide to managing occupational safety and health in the context of an ageing workforce;
- PowerPoint presentations, leaflets, posters and other campaign materials;
- information on the Healthy Workplaces Good Practice Awards;
- infographics;
- and animated videos.