Description
The primary objective was to enhance the implementation of the decent work agenda, with a particular emphasis on improving occupational health and safety (OSH) arrangements in the metal industry.
The project aimed to bring focus to occupational safety and health as a core element of decent work. Improving health and safety at workplaces benefits workers, employers, and society as a whole by preventing exclusion, reducing costs for both workers and employers, and fostering mutual trust. The project also sought to improve cooperation between employers, employees, and controlling bodies in company and sectoral-level policymaking. This included preventing accidents and fostering the implementation of OSH procedures adapted to changes in the labour market. Updating the knowledge and skills of health and safety officers was a key component, along with awareness-raising activities aimed at informing the general public about the benefits of decent work and the role of relevant OSH procedures. Particular focus was placed on vulnerable groups, including young workers, migrant workers, and women.
The project was divided into four main elements: a study visit to Norway to get acquainted with the Nordic Model of social dialogue, the development of a "Decent Work Manual for H&S Officers," training and cooperation sessions on the implementation of the decent work agenda, and an awareness-raising campaign. The study visit included meetings with Norwegian actors involved in shaping decent working conditions, the manual covered key points of the decent work agenda, the training sessions focused on among others the ILO Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health. The cooperation workshops brought together representatives of trade unions, health and safety officers, employers, national authorities, and labour inspectors. The awareness-raising campaign included seminars, a project website, an animated video, social media profiles, and press releases.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address significant challenges in the Slovak metal sector related to poor occupational health and safety (OSH) standards and the lack of effective social dialogue. Key issues included the need for improved health and safety arrangements, better cooperation between employers, employees, and controlling bodies, and the adaptation of OSH procedures to changes in the labour market, such as automation, atypical contracts, and subcontracting. The project also sought to raise awareness about the benefits of decent work and the role of relevant OSH procedures, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, including young workers, migrant workers, and women.
The project implemented several activities to achieve its objectives. It began with a launch event and a study visit to Norway to learn about the Nordic Model of social dialogue. The project developed a "Decent Work Manual for H&S Officers" and conducted training sessions for twenty health and safety officers. Cooperation workshops were organised to bring together representatives of trade unions, employers, national authorities, and labour inspectors to discuss effective cooperation methods. An awareness-raising campaign was conducted, including seminars, a project website, an animated video, social media profiles, and press releases. These activities facilitated the exchange of best practices and knowledge between Slovak and Norwegian partners, particularly in the use of social dialogue mechanisms to improve workplace health and safety.
The project achieved significant results, including better access to improved decent work arrangements for an estimated 22,000 workers in the metal sector. It enhanced awareness about decent work issues through a comprehensive awareness-raising campaign and improved the capacity of health and safety officers to implement decent work conditions and educate workers. The project also strengthened social dialogue in Slovakia by fostering cooperation between trade unions, employers, authorities, and institutions involved in implementing the decent work agenda. The primary beneficiaries were workers in the metal sector, who gained better working conditions and increased awareness of their rights, and employers, who recognised the benefits of implementing the decent work agenda. The collaboration with Norwegian partners provided valuable insights and best practices, contributing to the project''s success and the future development of social dialogue in Slovakia.
Summary of bilateral results
The project promoter gained knowledge about key principles of decent work and the role of employee representatives for Occupational Safety and Health and its implementation, about the roles of OSH workers in the framework of preventive measures, and new methods of cooperation with vulnerable groups.