For over 20 years, the European Week has highlighted the big issues shaping our working lives, from stress and screen time to how we can make work more sustainable. It’s given organisations across Europe a chance to pause, reflect, and show they’re serious about creating safer, healthier workplaces.
Organised by EU-OSHA, and in partnership with governments, employers, unions, and safety professionals, it’s a big moment in the Healthy Workplaces Campaign, bringing together fresh ideas, real stories, and practical tips to show how simple changes can make a big difference in protecting people at work.
Every year, workplaces across the EU see 3,300 fatal accidents and over 3 million non-fatal ones. Add to that the €476 billion annual cost of work-related illnesses, and it’s clear why safety can’t be an afterthought. With SMEs making up 82% of all injuries, there’s an urgent need for greater awareness and practical support where it’s needed most.
This year’s campaign comes at an important time, where workplaces are still adapting to post-pandemic realities, rapid digitalisation, and even new risks linked to climate change.
This will be the last European Week of the 'Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age' campaign (2023-2025,) and the exciting part is that this final year is looking to be the most engaging yet!
The campaign has highlighted how digitalisation is reshaping the workplace, not just by creating opportunities, but also by introducing new risks. A 2022 EU-OSHA survey shows that half of workers said technology dictated the pace of their work, a third reported heavier workloads, and many pointed to working alone more often, increased surveillance, and less control over their tasks. But, at the same time, digital tools can also support safer ways of working.
That’s why this final European Week is such an important moment.
One of the big talking points will be whether smaller businesses have the tools and support to actually put best practices into action, and if awareness campaigns alone can spark lasting change, or if tougher rules are still needed.
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