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Description
This project built on the first project “Decent work is a safe work” where the Gdansk regional branch of the trade union Solidarnosc contributed to improve the implementation of health and safety regulations in workplaces through training of social labour inspectors and awareness-raising among employers in the region. The second phase of the project continued these activities but also introduced new training focusing on psycho-social risks and stress in the workplace.
The project responded to a clear challenge in Poland, where there is a need for a better implementation of health and safety regulations. Despite requirements to implement health and safety regulations, many companies and workplaces do not have appropriate health and safety rules and procedures. Many are not aware of the benefits of these regulations both by increasing productivity, reducing the level of absence due to illness, and thereby reducing costs for enterprises.
There was no formal Norwegian partner in the project, but close contacts were established during the first edition with LO Norway, who continued to share their knowledge and experience on an informal basis.
The following activities were carried out:
- continued running the project''s website, a database of Q&As, newsletters, social media, radio broadcasts, press articles, a publication on the role of social partners in health and safety at work, comparative review of situation in Norway and Poland, and a proposal for changes in Polish regulations.
- a conference on labour protection system in Poland (300 participants) with presentation of the Norwegian system.
- 3-day training (16 hours) continued in the field of health and safety, social labour inspection and labour law for Social labour inspectors (5 trainings x 15 participants)
- new 1-day, training (6-hours) on psycho-social risks and stress in the workplace (8 training groups x 10 people).
Summary of project results
The project sought to address the lack of appropriate health and safety regulations in many companies and workplaces, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). There was a low level of awareness and understanding about the benefits of these regulations. Additionally, the project focused on addressing psychosocial risks and stress in the workplace, which are significant challenges in terms of occupational health and safety. Another issue was the low level of unionisation in Poland, which limited the impact of social labour inspectors and trade unions on improving workplace safety.
It continued the dissemination campaign from the former project by running the project''s website, maintaining a database of questions and answers, and distributing newsletters. The campaign also included social media engagement, radio broadcasts, press articles, and a publication on the role of social partners in health and safety at work. A conference on the labour protection system in Poland was organised, with 300 participants, presenting the Norwegian system for comparison. The project also conducted 3-day training sessions on health and safety, social labour inspection, and labour law for social labour inspectors. Additionally, new one-day training courses on psychosocial risks and stress in the workplace were introduced. The project emphasised the importance of health and safety at work among employers and employees through various activities.
The awareness-raising campaign exceeded its intended goals, reaching tens of thousands of recipients and promoting high standards of occupational health and safety. A total of 168 professional staff were trained in the field of occupational health and safety. Special emphasis was placed on addressing psychosocial issues in the workplace, which became a permanent feature in trade union media. The dissemination campaigns were well-received. The beneficiaries of the project included professional staff who received training, enhancing their knowledge and skills in occupational health and safety. Employers and employees benefits from increased awareness and improved implementation of health and safety regulations, creating safer work environments. The project also strengthened the role of trade unions and social labour inspectors in promoting workplace safety.