Health and Safety
Health professionals’ union calls for action on violence
A survey for the SAHP trade union found that 43% of its members faced violent threats at some point in 2022 and 22% were subjected to actual violence at some point during the year. The research revealed that mental illness and the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are the most common factors in violent incidents. Worryingly only half of those subjected to threats or violence say that some form of report was made. The SAHP says that employers should always show zero tolerance for threats and violence against healthcare professionals and must increase the preventive work with risk assessments
Union highlights guidance on facing violent incidents
The Fp-Cgil public service federation has described the level of attacks on health workers as a national emergency. According to the INAIL institute for insurance against workplace accidents, in the last five years, there have been more than 12000 incidents at work classified as violence, aggression, threats and the like, with an average of about 2,500 per year, 75% of which affect women. The union argues that in this context, all preventive actions are indispensable and as part of its campaign “let's take care of those who care for us!”, the federation has reminded its members of the guidance
Survey reveals high workloads and stress among government workers
A major survey by the ST trade union found that seven out of 10 government employees report feeling stressed at work, with many citing lack of influence at work as a contributing factor. The union found that state sector employees are more stressed than those in the labour market as a whole. Some 55% said that their workload had increased in the previous two years, with almost 30% feeling that they cannot speak up when they have too much to do. Threats and violence at work was mentioned by 34% of respondents, up from previous surveys with many saying they have not received sufficient support
ETUC underlines the need for action on workplace deaths
An analysis for the ETUC by the European Trade Union Institute reveals that deaths at work will continue to blight Europe for almost a decade longer than previously forecast after a rise in fatal accidents in almost half of member states. The latest figures for 2019 and 2020 show that deaths at work rose in 12 countries, most notably in Italy (+285), Spain (+45) and Portugal (+27). The ETUC is calling on the EU and national governments to stop workplace deaths by backing its Zero Death at Work manifesto which calls on the European Union, member state governments and employers to commit to and
EU Social Partners signed new agreement on digitalisation for central government
On Thursday, 6 October the EU social partners for central governments, TUNED for the trade union side and EUPAE for the employers, signed a new agreement on digitalisation with the participation of the European Commission.
Survey shows massively increased workload for emergency medical services
A survey by the health and services union ver.di has revealed that the already high burden on employees in the emergency medical service has increased significantly since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Around 7,000 workers replied to the questionnaire with 39% saying they would change professions immediately if they had the opportunity. There are serious problems with working hours, work intensity, physical and psychological stress and risk of physical assaults. Almost all respondents reported problems balancing work and private life. Staff shortages mean that 61% of employees are (very)
Health and safety of workers must be taken more seriously: stop asbestos
On 28 September, the European Commission published its proposal to better protect workers from asbestos, by lowering the current occupational exposure limit for asbestos from 100,000 fibres per cubic meter to 10,000 fibres per cubic meter.