European Social Dialogue improves the health and safety of workers across the EU

Workers in the EU rate a safe working environment for mental and physical health as the most important aspect they look for in their workplace. By bringing together representatives of workers and employers, the European social dialogue drives initiatives to prevent accidents, reduce occupational diseases and adapt to changing conditions like new technologies and environmental challenges. 

How social dialogue enhances worker safety

Social partners and governments collaborate on occupational safety and health (OSH) through initiatives like the Advisory Committee on Health and Safety at Work and the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work. They also contribute to legislative consultations on issues such as protecting workers from hazardous substances like asbestos and carcinogens.

OSH is a top priority in the 44 Sectoral Social Dialogue Committees, covering industries from agriculture to woodworking. Key agreements include:

• 2009 framework agreement on sharps injuries in healthcare, implemented via EU law
• 2004 work-related stress agreement, applied nationally
• 2016 framework agreement on health and safety in the hairdressing sector 

Projects driving progress

Since 2019, EU social partners and the Commission have worked together to improve how workplace safety and health rules are applied, supported by dedicated projects and regular monitoring. 

Social partners have since delivered joint initiatives to strengthen occupational safety and health:

• Input to EU efforts on protecting workers from hazardous medicinal products and awareness campaigns in healthcare
• Guidelines on the medical checks in the sea fishery sector (2021), helping align standards across Europe
• Promotion of practical risk assessment tools (OiRA) in education

In May 2025, EU sectoral social partners also introduced updated guidelines to prevent and tackle third-party violence and harassment related to work, helping organisations better identify risks and improve prevention. 

EU funding supporting safer workplaces

The Commission supports social partners through funding for cross-border projects, many of which focus on workplace safety and health. For example:

• NEPSI PROPAGATION (2025-2028): supporting training and tools to reduce silica dust exposure
• Hairdressing sector projects: identifying hazardous chemicals and improving risk assessment methods
• UnionPower4Batteries (2024-2026): strengthening worker representation and safety standards in the battery industry
• ADAPTHEAT (2022-2024): examined workplace heat hazards caused by climate change, offering practical recommendations
• VHAW at Work (2022-2024): explored gender-based violence and harassment and produced a trade union guide and preventive strategies
• FlexWorkConditions (2022-2024): helped workers’ representatives manage the impact of flexible on safety, health and gender equality

Towards the future

European Social Dialogue continues to adapt to evolving challenges, ensuring workers across the EU benefit from safe and healthy workplaces. By fostering collaboration and innovation, it ensures that every worker in the EU benefits from a safe and healthy working environment.