By the EESC Workers' Group

At a time when different types of crises and transitions are affecting the world of work, social dialogue can be instrumental in achieving three key objectives: anticipating and managing the changes brought about by the green, digital and demographic transitions; improving the prevention of workplace accidents and work-related illnesses; and preparing for any potential future health crises.

Together with social dialogue, where necessary, new regulatory measures must be adopted by the European Union, as well as guidelines for cases like teleworking and an update of the European Framework Agreement from 2002.

The pandemic is an opportunity to create a new collective ability to tackle future crises and mitigate their impact on occupational safety and health. The recovery plans should make it possible to strengthen the role of the social partners in those Member States where they have the least influence.

Τhe cost of work-related illnesses such as heart disease and burnout must be thoroughly monitored in order to pinpoint appropriate measures at the appropriate level in line with Vision Zero, aiming at eliminating work-related deaths in the EU.

Occupational safety and health measures carried out through social dialogue contribute positively to workers' health, can improve the profitability of businesses, and reduce healthcare costs and absenteeism. The cost to society of work-related injury and illness is estimated at 3.3% of EU GDP (EUR 476 bn), amounting to more than half of the recovery plan funds.

This is why we have to create a culture of prevention and this should involve training the parties involved in social dialogue, raising awareness of emerging risks and bolstering and disseminating the resources available.

Bipartite negotiations between the European social partners are of paramount importance when it comes to tackling occupational safety and health problems. However, the application of autonomous agreements is sometimes uneven, varying in line with the relative strength of the social dialogue and the diversity of the industrial relations systems in the Member States. This is why regulation is needed in certain areas, such as for psychosocial risks and musculoskeletal disorders. (prp)