(09 September 2013) The social partners represented by EPSU and CEMR have submitted a joint response to the open consultation on a new “Occupational Safety and Health Policy Framework”. Both organizations consulted their affiliates and members on this consultation.
They jointly state that in the public sector changes in public service delivery as e.g. outsourcing, service-provider splittings, public-private partnership models and public-public cooperations , the use of new technloogies (ICT, machinery and equipment), along with a rapdily ageing workforce, all change the dynamics and priorities of health and safety strategies. It is fundamental that such changes are taken into consideration.
For example, compared to other branches (e.g. manufacturing, craftsmenship) employees in the public sector reported an increase in task multiplicity and work-related stress. Factors such as work intensification and high demands on service quality in municipalities with less financial and human resources will increase and are putting at risk the health of the work force.
The main health and safety concerns to be strategized at EU level for the local and regional government sector include for them:
- The reduction and prevention of all work-related diseases as musculoskeletal disorders, work-related psycho-social risks (e.g. stress, “burn-out and series of related diseases), and reducing the trend of increased “sick leave” and absenteeism
- high-quality risk assessments, including consequences of restructuring and downsizing
- Compliance and enhancement of social dialogue and workers participation that are key factors in a sound oocupational health and safety policy e.g. Finland. Lastly, the exchange of good practice across European Member States is vital, as the transfer of knowledge can help to develop strategies and programmes advancing health and safety.
- In addition, it is important to focus on the practical follow-up and implementation of the OSH rules at the individual work place. It is particularly important to ensure inspection of compliance with legislation and the right to elect OSH representatives through, for example further training of OSH representatives on a continuous basisand facilitating easy access to advice on OSH.
In the local government sector the Raisio study found that major downsizing was associated with a significant two-fold increase in medically certified sickness among employees. The risk of long-term sickness leave after downsizing was especially high for the older employees, employees with a tendency towards hostile reactions, employees with a higher income, and employees in large work units. The risk of health problems, as indicated by musculosceltal problems and poor self-rated helath, was at least two two times greater after major downsizing than after no downsizing. Half of this excess risk was attributable to an elevated level of work stress after major downsizing.
The local and regional government employers and workers also want that a holistic approach of Health and Safety should be taken at EU level, which integrates aspects into all EU policies. In addtion, the current economic crisis with ensuing public sector restructuring needs a more mainstreamed debate on health and safety at the work place. And particiularly, social Partners should also be consulted in accordance with Art. 154 TFEU rather than public consultations only.
- The online version can be downloaded here
Please read the full response here
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