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Description
The project focused on the impact of Covid on the mental health of workers and proposed strategies and activities to improve the situation, including new policy initiatives through tripartite cooperation at regional level.
The project built on the ongoing project "Together for healthy, safe and decent workplaces in the metal sector", which focused on capacity-building of health and safety officers. The new project focused more on mental health, and tripartite cooperation to influence new policies and regulations. It also addressed the impact of the Covid pandemic on the mental health of workers in the metal sector. The aim was that a series of trainings for relevant stakeholders would lead to improved decent work arrangements through adoption of new policies in minimum five companies.
The project built on a tripartite partnership between local and regional stakeholders, including from the health sector, but also a partnership with the Norwegian Research institution FAFO which provided knowledge on the Norwegian situation.
Activities were the following:
- a tripartite steering committee prepared policy framework for decent mental health and safety conditions
- two panel discussions with company level representatives of trade unions and employers, health and safety officers, public and health authorities and steering committee members.
- three 2-days trainings for 60 representatives of social partners and professionals from companies in Kosice and participation of the Norwegian expert
- Training for Managers and Employees and Manual
- Three online company-level trainings: two for 60 employees and one for 10 managers
- Communication and awareness activities, including web page and press conference
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key issues and challenges, including mental health and safety concerns in the Slovak metal industry, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 50% of the working population in Slovakia reported risk factors affecting mental well-being, leading to decreased productivity and increased health issues. Existing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies did not sufficiently address mental health or provide comprehensive prevention measures. Additionally, there was a need for enhanced cooperation between employers, employees, and public authorities to develop and implement effective health and safety strategies.
To tackle these challenges, the project established a tripartite steering committee to prepare a policy framework for decent mental health and safety conditions. It organized two panel discussions with company representatives, health and safety officers, public authorities, and other stakeholders to discuss threats to workers'' health and existing prevention strategies. The project also conducted three 2-day training sessions for 60 representatives of social partners and professionals, facilitated by Norwegian experts, focusing on social dialogue, mental health, and COVID-19 prevention strategies. Training programs and manuals for managers and employees were developed, covering topics such as stress management, mental health policies, and support programs. Additionally, three online training sessions were conducted for employees and managers, reaching a total of 70 participants. The project also implemented a communication plan, including a project website, press conferences, and digital publications to raise awareness about mental health and safety policies.
The project achieved several significant results. Some Companies in Košice introduced new standards and protocols on mental health and COVID-19, benefiting employees. The project promoter organized six training sessions on mental health and safety, training professional staff and social partners to create and implement workplace strategies. The project reached employees and stakeholders through seminars and the project website and digital communications, increasing awareness of COVID-19 protocols and mental health policies. Furthermore, the project fostered stronger relationships between social partners, employers, and public authorities, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation to ensure ongoing collaboration between the project promoter and the project partners. These outcomes primarily benefited employees in the Slovak metal industry, particularly those in companies and institutions in Košice, by improving their working conditions, mental health support, and overall well-being.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian Research institution FAFO provided knowledge on the Norwegian situation, and they took part with an expert in the training.