Posted to News on 2nd May 2007, 19:46
European Good Practice Awards in occupational health and safety
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work is inviting nominations for the eighth European Good Practice Awards in occupational health and safety. The 2007 award scheme will recognise companies or organisations that have made outstanding and innovative contributions to promote an integrated management approach to tackle musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), embracing prevention of MSDs, and the retention, rehabilitation and reintegration of workers who already suffer from MSDs.
Jukka Takala, Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, says: "Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common work-related health problem in Europe; across the EU, 25 per cent of workers suffer from backache and 23 per cent have muscular pains. Many problems can be prevented or greatly reduced through employers complying with existing safety and health law and following good practice. Through our Lighten the load campaign and the Good Practice Awards competition we will demonstrate that there are specific actions that can be taken if MSDs are to be tackled effectively."
The awards aim to demonstrate, by example, the benefits of following good safety and health practices to all European employers and workers, and to intermediaries including the social partners, OSH professionals and practitioners, and others providing assistance and information at workplace level.
Good practice explained
Good practice examples are implemented methods to promote the effective management of occupational safety and health risks in the workplace, and prevention measures to reduce the incidence of MSDs, and to support those who have suffered MSDs.
Such examples might include identification and implementation of an action programme that takes a holistic approach to the risks causing MSDs, modification of tasks to eliminate or reduce prolonged periods of standing or sitting, rehabilitation and sickness schemes, and procurement plans to provide, in consultation with workers, user-friendly machines and equipment.
Good practice examples are invited from all EU Member States. They can be submitted by individual enterprises or by intermediary organisations such as chambers of commerce, trade and professional organisations, trade unions, and by others providing assistance, support and information at workplace level.
The Agency will announce the winners at the campaign's closing event in March 2008 in Bilbao. The awards will provide the winners with European recognition for their role in improving working conditions in Europe, and the awarded examples will be presented in an Agency booklet to be distributed across Europe.
Further information about the awards and national contact details are available online at ew2007.osha.europa.eu/.
