health and safety committees & groups...

The Project is supported by a grant from Norway through the Norwegian Cooperation Programme for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development with Bulgaria

PROJECTPROJECT

2008/108471 2008/108471 ““HEALTH, SAFETY HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT IN THE WORK PLACEAND ENVIRONMENT IN THE WORK PLACE""

HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES & HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES & GROUPS: COMPOSITION, ACTIVITIES AND GROUPS: COMPOSITION, ACTIVITIES AND

PROBLEMSPROBLEMSSurvey data analysis in the health careSurvey data analysis in the health care

17 December17 December

20092009

DD--r r NadezhdaNadezhda

DaskalovaDaskalova, , Institute for Social and Trade Union ResearchInstitute for Social and Trade Union Research

The Project is supported by a grant from Norway through the Norwegian Cooperation Programme for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development with Bulgaria www hse-bg org

2008/108471 project: Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in the2008/108471 project: Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in the Work place, BulgariaWork place, Bulgaria

. . BackgroundBackgroundLegislative framework Legislative framework ––

aligned with EU legislationaligned with EU legislation

Established Institutional framework for social Established Institutional framework for social dialogue and workersdialogue and workers’’

participation on H&Sparticipation on H&S..

However, in the practiceHowever, in the practice there there are a range ofare a range of shortcomingsshortcomingsThe experience of many European countries The experience of many European countries shows shows that the activity of WCCthat the activity of WCC&&WCG is essential for the WCG is essential for the implementation of the OSH policy goals and for the implementation of the OSH policy goals and for the sustainable enterprise development.sustainable enterprise development.Lack of research and reliable statistics Lack of research and reliable statistics on the number on the number of the WCC& WCG and their activities, efficiency and of the WCC& WCG and their activities, efficiency and challenges they face challenges they face This This motivated the conducting of motivated the conducting of the surveythe survey

in the in the

framework of the projectframework of the projectFurther argumentFurther argument

for the need for trade unions to pay more for the need for trade unions to pay more

attention to the WCC& WCG provides the EAHSW Panattention to the WCC& WCG provides the EAHSW Pan-- European opinion poll onEuropean opinion poll on OSHOSH



If you were deciding whether to take a new job, If you were deciding whether to take a new job, which two of the following would most influence which two of the following would most influence

your decision?your decision?

85%46%

21%

11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

wage/salary

job security

save&healthy working conditions

working hours



As a whole the context related to H&S in the country may be presented as follows:

There are laws and strategies, but they are not enforced effectively

There are social dialogue bodies established at all levels, but some of them do not function

effectively.There are statutory workers rights, but the

workers are not aware of them or consciously decline to fight for their implementation.



METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGY Specific aims of the surveySpecific aims of the survey

To study the establishmentTo study the establishment, , functioning and main functioning and main activities of the WCC&WCG in enterprises in the six activities of the WCC&WCG in enterprises in the six pilot sectors, including health carepilot sectors, including health care;;To identify the main supporting or hindering factorsTo identify the main supporting or hindering factors; ; To identify the To identify the training training needs and the need for needs and the need for institutional supportinstitutional support; ; and and On this basis to outline the necessary activities of On this basis to outline the necessary activities of the relevant institutions, able to support the the relevant institutions, able to support the effectiveness of the WCC&WCGeffectiveness of the WCC&WCG; ; as well as toas well as toPropose general framework for the establishment of Propose general framework for the establishment of the WCCthe WCC&&WCG networkWCG network..



Research methodsResearch methodsReview of the legislation and documentsReview of the legislation and documents

of of

related institutionsrelated institutionsSecondary analysisSecondary analysis

of of the available researchthe available research

in the field of working conditions and social in the field of working conditions and social dialoguedialogue. . Questionnaire based surveyQuestionnaire based survey

in the six pilot in the six pilot

branches. branches. SWOT analysisSWOT analysis

of the strengths and of the strengths and

weaknessesweaknesses, , opportunities and treats related opportunities and treats related to the social dialogue on Hto the social dialogue on H&&S and the activity S and the activity of WCCof WCC&&WCGWCG, , as a base for the working out as a base for the working out training modulestraining modules

and and the framework ofthe framework of

the the

WCCWCC&&WCG networkWCG network



MAIN SURVEY FINDINGSMAIN SURVEY FINDINGSSample Sample

202 employees202 employees’’

representatives in representatives in WCC&WCG in different health WCC&WCG in different health establishments throughout the establishments throughout the country, including: country, including: Multi Multi --

profile, profile,

specialized and university hospitals,specialized and university hospitals, dispensaries, centers for urgent medical dispensaries, centers for urgent medical

aid, homes for social and medical care for aid, homes for social and medical care for children, and regional inspectorates for children, and regional inspectorates for public health prevention and control public health prevention and control



Size of the health establishmentsSize of the health establishments

2%23%

36%

39% Up to 1010 - 4950 - 249Over 250



TYPE OF OWNERSHIPTYPE OF OWNERSHIP

36%

43%

21%Municipal

State

Mixedstate/municipal



Main occupational hazards Main occupational hazards at the workplaceat the workplace

stressstress

due to work overload due to work overload --

65,4%65,4%shift and night work shift and night work ––

60,4%60,4%

high riskhigh risk

for healthfor health

--

44,2%44,2%working with biological substancesworking with biological substances--

43,7 %43,7 %

stress due to the lack of time stress due to the lack of time --

40,5%40,5%tiring or painful working positionstiring or painful working positions

--

33,5 %33,5 %

noise noise --

32,5%32,5%harmful radiation harmful radiation ––

28,928,9%%



Main occupational hazards at Main occupational hazards at the workplace the workplace -- 22

repetitive movements repetitive movements ––

25,9 %25,9 %working with chemicals working with chemicals ––

25,4 %25,4 %

violence or treat of violence violence or treat of violence --

23,4%23,4%bullying, harassment bullying, harassment --

22,8%22,8%

high risk for the life high risk for the life --

19,3%19,3%carrying heavy loads carrying heavy loads --

12,7 %12,7 %

high temperatures high temperatures --

11,211,2%%vibrations vibrations --

3,6%3,6%



Accidents at the workplaceAccidents at the workplaceAccidents in the last 3 yearsAccidents in the last 3 yearsyesyes

--

38,2% 38,2% nono

--

49,7% 49,7% do not knowdo not know

--

12,1%12,1%

Number Number From 1 to 5 From 1 to 5 ––

30,3%30,3%

OverOver

5 5 ––

3,0%3,0%

Fatal accidentsFatal accidents yesyes

--

2,5 % 2,5 % nono

--

87,9% 87,9% don'tdon't’’

know know --

9,5 %9,5 %

Number of fatal accidents Number of fatal accidents --

99According to the official statistical dataAccording to the official statistical data

accidents accidents

in health care and social activities in 2007 were in health care and social activities in 2007 were 144 (3,5% 144 (3,5% of the total for the countryof the total for the country), ), of which of which fatal accidents were fatal accidents were 4 (2,7% 4 (2,7% of the totalof the total). ). In 2008 In 2008 the accidents the accidents increasedincreased

to to 1190 (5% 90 (5% of the total) of the total)

and fatal accidents were and fatal accidents were 6 (3,26 (3,2% of the total). 2009 % of the total). 2009 --

first half first half --

6,7%6,7%

of the totalof the total



Assessment of the Employer OSH policyAssessment of the Employer OSH policyAccording to the respondents their employer hasAccording to the respondents their employer has::

☻☻

Programme for improvement of the working Programme for improvement of the working conditions conditions (71,1%) (71,1%) and and

☻☻

Programme for workers health Programme for workers health (64%); (64%); ☻☻

2/3 2/3 pointed that the employer makes risk pointed that the employer makes risk assessmentassessment, , but only 53% consider that he has but only 53% consider that he has Programme for risk reduction and elimination Programme for risk reduction and elimination However:However:

The employer policy on H&S in the health The employer policy on H&S in the health

care care is not enough activeis not enough active

as just about 60% of the as just about 60% of the respondents mentioned that the employer: respondents mentioned that the employer: Introduces clear and transparent OSH policy Introduces clear and transparent OSH policy (60,1%), (60,1%), Is fully committed to the working conditions Is fully committed to the working conditions improvement improvement (60,7%) (60,7%) andandInvests in the working conditions improvement Invests in the working conditions improvement (57%).(57%).



Employer OSH policyEmployer OSH policy --

22

More are the respondents which consider that the More are the respondents which consider that the employer: employer: ensures the necessary conditions for workers ensures the necessary conditions for workers participation in WCCparticipation in WCC&&WCG WCG (68,0); (68,0); takes seriously the WCC&WCG activity takes seriously the WCC&WCG activity (64,0%) (64,0%) andandsupports the trade union demands for working supports the trade union demands for working environment improvement environment improvement (60,1%), (60,1%),

BUT BUT Less than half of the respondents said that the employer Less than half of the respondents said that the employer is informing on a regular basis the personnel is informing on a regular basis the personnel (48,3%) (48,3%) and and the WCCthe WCC&&WCG WCG (41,6%) (41,6%) about the foreseen restructuringabout the foreseen restructuring, , changes in the technologychanges in the technology, , work organisation and work organisation and workplaces workplaces HighHigh

is is the share of respondents that did not answer or the share of respondents that did not answer or

dondon''tt’’

have opinionhave opinion



WWСССС&WCG&WCG establishment and compositionestablishment and composition

Year of establishmentYear of establishment♦♦19971997––

10,5% 10,5%

♦♦

1998 1998 --

2000 2000 ––26,0 % 26,0 % ♦♦

2001 2001 --

2004 2004 ––

36,4%36,4%

♦♦

AfterAfter

2005 2005 --

27,1%27,1%CompositionComposition♦♦

2 2 personspersons

((WCGWCG) ) ––

6,1%6,1%

♦♦

FromFrom

4 4 toto

8 8 personspersons

––

74,1%74,1%♦♦

10 10 personspersons

––

16,2% 16,2%

Number of trade union membersNumber of trade union members

in WCC&WCGin WCC&WCG0 0 ––

1,0% 1,0% -- 6,1% 6,1% -- 24,2%, 24,2%,

From From toto –– 56,1%56,1%OverOver –– 8,2% !!!8,2% !!!



Activity of WCC&WCGActivity of WCC&WCG ((meetings heldmeetings held

in the last in the last 12 12 monthsmonths))

number of the meetings %

No one 5,6From one to three 65,2Four 18,5Over four 8,2



Activity of WCC&WCGActivity of WCC&WCG–– 22Time devotedTime devoted (monthly) to the responsibility(monthly) to the responsibility of of being representative in WCC&WCGbeing representative in WCC&WCG♦♦

does not spend any timedoes not spend any time

––

7,6%7,6%

♦♦

Up to five hoursUp to five hours––

73,2%73,2%♦♦

SixSix--

ten hoursten hours

––

14,5%14,5%

♦♦

Over Over 10 10 hourshours

––

4,7%4,7%working climate in WCCworking climate in WCC&&WCGWCG ::♦♦

cooperationcooperation––

70,9%70,9%

♦♦

confrontationconfrontation

--

2,5%2,5%♦♦

mixed climate of cooperation and confrontationmixed climate of cooperation and confrontation

––

20,6%20,6%



Activity of WCC&WCG Activity of WCC&WCG –– 33 main issues discussedmain issues discussedMeasures Measures related to H&S of the employees related to H&S of the employees ––

83,7%83,7%

Planning and organization of the employeesPlanning and organization of the employees’’

training on training on OSH OSH ––

51,0%51,0%

Results of the risk assessment Results of the risk assessment ––

44,9%44,9%Rarely have been discussed:Rarely have been discussed:

Planning and organization of the WCC&WCG activity Planning and organization of the WCC&WCG activity -- 40,8 %40,8 %

Analyses of the employeesAnalyses of the employees’’

health health -- 35,2%35,2%

The foreseen changes of the technologyThe foreseen changes of the technology, , work work organization and workplace organization and workplace ––

29,6%29,6%

Results of the inspections and recommendations of the Results of the inspections and recommendations of the control bodiescontrol bodies

--

25,0%25,0%

Occupational accidents Occupational accidents ––

21,9%21,9%Other issues Other issues ––

1,5%1,5%

WCC had not held meetingsWCC had not held meetings

––

4,1%4,1%



Conditions for the realization of the Conditions for the realization of the WCCWCC&&WCG activityWCG activity

between 50 and 70% consider that the between 50 and 70% consider that the employer is providing conditions for the employer is providing conditions for the activity of WCC&WCG includingactivity of WCC&WCG including::

premises premises ––

71,2%71,2%☺☺

telephonetelephone/ / faxfax

––

63,2%63,2%

Internet accessInternet access –– 49,7%49,7%☺☺

stationery and equipmentstationery and equipment

––

62,2 %62,2 %

☺☺

OtherOther

--

2,5%2,5%



Conditions for the realisation of Conditions for the realisation of the WCCthe WCC&&WCG membersWCG members’’ rightsrights

AccessAccess

to:to: ProvidedProvided To some To some extendextend

Do not Do not proviprovi--

dedded

Initial trainingInitial training 74,074,0 21,421,4 4,74,7Further annual trainingFurther annual training 50,550,5 32,132,1 17,417,4ExistingExisting

information concerning information concerning

working conditionsworking conditions56,556,5 33,533,5 9,99,9

AnalysesAnalyses

of work accidents and of work accidents and occupational morbidityoccupational morbidity 48,448,4 34,834,8 16,816,8

Inspection reports and Inspection reports and recommendationsrecommendations

51,651,6 34,434,4 14,014,0

Risk assessmentRisk assessment 45,745,7 39,739,7 14,714,7



Conditions for the realisation of the Conditions for the realisation of the WCCWCC&&WCG membersWCG members’’

rightsrights

--

22

ProvidedProvided To some To some extendextend


deddedTo To require of the employer to require of the employer to undertake undertake the the appropriate measuresappropriate measures

50,050,0 39,439,4 10,610,6

To make suggestions for To make suggestions for mitigatmitigatinging hazards and hazards and temporally temporally removremovinging

sources of danger tosources of danger to

employeesemployees’’ safety and healthsafety and health

57,257,2 32,432,4 10,310,3

To To appeal to the control authorities if appeal to the control authorities if they consider that the measures are they consider that the measures are inadequate for ensuring safety and inadequate for ensuring safety and health at workhealth at work

49,749,7 32,432,4 17,917,9

To To participate in the inspectionparticipate in the inspectionss visits visits of of the control authorities the control authorities 50,550,5 29,329,3 20,120,1



Conditions for the realization of the Conditions for the realization of the WCC&WCG functionsWCC&WCG functions

ProvidedProvided To some To some extendextend


dedded

To To discussdiscuss

quarterly quarterly thethe

wholewhole

rangerange

of of activitiesactivities

relatedrelated

totoH&SH&S

of of employeesemployees

43,343,3 42,142,1 14,914,9

To propose and To propose and adoptadopt

measuresmeasures

to to improveimprove the the activitiesactivities

relatedrelated

to to thethe

S&H S&H of of employeesemployees

35,135,1 48,448,4 16,516,5

To To taketake

partpart

inin

thethe

elaborationelaboration

of of informationinformation andand

trainingtraining

programprogrammemes s onon

OSH OSH issuesissues

29,829,8 43,143,1 27,127,1

To To carrycarry

outout

inspectionsinspections

onon

thethe implementationimplementation

of of OSH requirementsOSH requirements

34,834,8 45,745,7 19,619,6

To To discuss the plandiscuss the planed ed introduction of new introduction of new technologies, work organizationtechnologies, work organization

and and to to

proposepropose

solutionssolutions

H&SH&S36,136,1 41,141,1 22,822,8

To To keepkeep

watchwatch

onon

accidentsaccidents

andand

occupationaloccupational morbiditymorbidity 40,040,0 44,944,9 15,115,1



Impact of the WCC&WCG activityImpact of the WCC&WCG activity

timely settlement of the problems timely settlement of the problems related torelated to

OSH issues OSH issues ––

68,9%68,9%

decreasing number of disputes related decreasing number of disputes related to OSH to OSH --

55,1 %55,1 %

improvement of the working conditions improvement of the working conditions ––

50,5 %50,5 %

decreased number of accidents at the decreased number of accidents at the workplace workplace --

37,2 %37,2 %

better observation of the workersbetter observation of the workers’’

labour labour rights rights --

34,7 %34,7 %



Impact of the WCC&WCG activityImpact of the WCC&WCG activity -- 22

increased employeesincreased employees’’

awareness and awareness and information about OSH information about OSH --

30,1%30,1%

better compliance of the employersbetter compliance of the employers’’

policy policy with the legislation with the legislation --

29,6 % 29,6 %

decreasing absence from work due to decreasing absence from work due to sickness sickness --

17,9%17,9%

creating possibility for better environment creating possibility for better environment protectionprotection

--

13,3 %13,3 %



Main difficultiesMain difficulties in the realisation of in the realisation of

the representativesthe representatives activityactivity

lack of resources lack of resources --

65,5%65,5%lack of the necessary knowledge and lack of the necessary knowledge and experience experience --

53,0%53,0%

lack of time lack of time --

47,6%47,6%the WCC&WCG activity is underestimated by the WCC&WCG activity is underestimated by the employer the employer --

31,5%31,5%

the WCC&WCG activity is underestimated by the WCC&WCG activity is underestimated by the employees the employees --

24,4%24,4%

difficulties caused by the employer difficulties caused by the employer --

13,7% 13,7% lack of support on the part of the trade unions lack of support on the part of the trade unions in the enterprise in the enterprise ––

3,03,0



Institutional support of the Institutional support of the WCC&WCGWCC&WCG

YesYes NONO Did not Did not ask for ask for supportsupport

Trade union organization in the companyTrade union organization in the company 9494,,44 2,02,0 33,5,5Occupational medicine officesOccupational medicine offices 4747,,44 22,322,3 2929,,77

FunctionariesFunctionaries

responsible for OSH in the responsible for OSH in the companycompany

5656,,77 19,519,5 2323,,88

ColleaguesColleagues 81,281,2 11,011,0 7,77,7EmployerEmployer 78,878,8 11,111,1 10,110,1General Labour Inspectorate& branchesGeneral Labour Inspectorate& branches 3636,,11 16,916,9 4747,,00Branch trade union federationBranch trade union federation 6767,,66 11,,77 3030,,77Sectoral Working Conditions CouncilSectoral Working Conditions Council 41,341,3 44,,44 5454,,44

Regional Working Conditions CouncilRegional Working Conditions Council 2525,,22 2222,,00 5252,,88



Training needsTraining needsFive priority areas are outlinedFive priority areas are outlined::

Best European practices on HBest European practices on H&&S S –– 69,2%69,2%Best nationalBest national//branch practices on H&Sbranch practices on H&S -- 57,6 % 57,6 % Legislation on H&SLegislation on H&S -- 56,6% 56,6% Labour legislation Labour legislation -- 47,5 % 47,5 % Types of occupational risks and risk assessment Types of occupational risks and risk assessment –– 42,9 42,9

Each third pointed alsoEach third pointed also::Specific workplace hazards Specific workplace hazards -- 31,8 %31,8 %Nature and measures for stress and violence at the Nature and measures for stress and violence at the

workplace prevention workplace prevention -- 29,8 %29,8 %Each tenth needs training onEach tenth needs training on::

Skills for team working Skills for team working -- 12,1 % 12,1 % andandCommunication skills Communication skills -- 9,1 %9,1 %



Willingness to participate in the Willingness to participate in the networknetwork

Willingness to participate in the networkWillingness to participate in the network

expressedexpressed

-- 93, 7%,93, 7%,

mainly because they expect:mainly because they expect:

to receive actual and useful information for the to receive actual and useful information for the improvement of the workimprovement of the work(54,9%)(54,9%)

to exchange experience and best practices to exchange experience and best practices (26,2%)(26,2%)to increase the capacity and to be more effective in to increase the capacity and to be more effective in

their work as workers representativestheir work as workers representatives (26,2%)(26,2%)to receive quality methodological supportto receive quality methodological support

6,3%6,3%

dodo

not willing to participatenot willing to participate, , becausebecause: : do not have do not have time for full engagement time for full engagement (77,8%)(77,8%)

or or Internet access and Internet access and

due to other causes (due to other causes (22,2%22,2%))



Factors supporting the Factors supporting the improvement of WCC&WCG activityimprovement of WCC&WCG activity

provision of as much as possible training for the provision of as much as possible training for the WCC&WCG members WCC&WCG members --

65,7%65,7%

Overcoming the formal character of the activity of the Overcoming the formal character of the activity of the WCC&WCG WCC&WCG --

64,1 % 64,1 %

Better implementation and enforcement of the Better implementation and enforcement of the legislation legislation --

41,9% 41,9%

Making use of the best national and European practices Making use of the best national and European practices --

35,9% 35,9%

Development of comprehensive programme for Development of comprehensive programme for improvement of the working conditions with clearly improvement of the working conditions with clearly assigned responsibilities of all stakeholders assigned responsibilities of all stakeholders ––

34,8 %34,8 %

Closer link with and support from the General Labour Closer link with and support from the General Labour Inspectorate Inspectorate --

31,8 %31,8 %



Factors supporting the improvement Factors supporting the improvement of WCC&WCG activityof WCC&WCG activity

--

22

Increasing workers awareness and initiative Increasing workers awareness and initiative -- 30,3% 30,3%

Provision of better conditions for the realization Provision of better conditions for the realization of the WCCof the WCC&&WCG activity WCG activity --

29,3 % 29,3 %

Elaboration of concrete measures for risk Elaboration of concrete measures for risk prevention prevention --

26,8% 26,8%

Wider opportunities for participation in the Wider opportunities for participation in the decision making decision making --

26,8 %26,8 %

Better opportunities for voicing the workers Better opportunities for voicing the workers interests on H&S interests on H&S --

23,7 %23,7 %

Stronger support by trade unions at all levels for Stronger support by trade unions at all levels for resolving the emerging problems resolving the emerging problems --

18,7 % 18,7 %



Profile of the employees Profile of the employees representative in the WCC&WCGrepresentative in the WCC&WCG

GenderGender226,3%6,3%

73,7%73,7%

((!! In the branch the women represent In the branch the women represent 8080%)%)

EducationEducationLower secondary Lower secondary --1%1%

Secondary generalSecondary general –– 5,5%5,5%Secondary professional Secondary professional –– 17,5%17,5%tertiary tertiary –– 76,0%76,0%




--

22

AgeAgeup to up to 30 30 yearsyears –– 1,5% !!1,5% !!3131-- 40 40 yearsyears –– 22,0%22,0%4141-- 50 50 yearsyears –– 39,5%39,5%5151-- 60 60 yearsyears –– 30,0%30,0%overover 60 60 yearsyears –– 7,0%7,0%

Length of service in the establishmentLength of service in the establishmentUp to Up to 1 1 year year -- 1,0%1,0%1 1 -- 3 3 yearsyears -- 3,0%3,0%4 4 -- 10 10 yearsyears -- 22,6%22,6%11 11 -- 15 15 yearsyears -- 21,1%21,1%16 16 -- 20 20 yearsyears –– 22,6%22,6%over over 20 20 yearsyears –– 29,6%29,6%



Profile of the employees Profile of the employees representative in the WCCrepresentative in the WCC

-- 33Occupational positionOccupational position

♦♦

Managerial Managerial ––

15,2%15,2%♦♦

ExecutiveExecutive

––

72,0%72,0%

♦♦

auxiliary auxiliary --

technicaltechnical

––

12,8%12,8%Trade union membershipTrade union membership

YesYes –– 91,9%91,9%NoNo –– 8, 1%8, 1%




--

44

Length of service as a member of WCC&WCGLength of service as a member of WCC&WCG♦♦

from from 1 1 toto

3 3 yearsyears

––

73,8%73,8%

♦♦

OverOver

3 3 yearsyears

--

26,2%26,2%InitiativesInitiativesintroducedintroduced

measures for improvement of the working measures for improvement of the working

conditions by the employee representative initiativeconditions by the employee representative initiativeyesyes -- 62,4%62,4% ((improvement of the labour improvement of the labour

environment, personal protective equipment and environment, personal protective equipment and cloths, measuring the working environment cloths, measuring the working environment parameters, inspections on the observance of the parameters, inspections on the observance of the legislation)legislation)

NoNo -- 37,6 % 37,6 %



Profile of the employees Profile of the employees representative in WCC&WCG representative in WCC&WCG –– 55

Participation in training on H&SParticipation in training on H&S♦♦

yesyes, , organisedorganised

by employer by employer --

62,2%62,2%

♦♦

yesyes, , organisedorganised

by trade unions by trade unions --

55,5%55,5%♦♦

otherother

--

4,2%4,2%

♦♦

did not participated did not participated --

0,8%0,8%Internet accessInternet access

53,8% 53,8% --

in the office in the office 59,0% 59,0% --

at home at home

13,3% 13,3% --

do not havedo not have--



Profile of the employees Profile of the employees representative in WCC&WCGrepresentative in WCC&WCG

SummarizingSummarizing, , the typical employees the typical employees representative in WCC&WCG in the health representative in WCC&WCG in the health care iscare is::

Women, aged between Women, aged between 4141 andand 5050 yearsyears,, with with university education, with length of university education, with length of service in the company over 2service in the company over 20 0 years in years in executive positions. She is trade union executive positions. She is trade union membermember, , and displays high level of and displays high level of initiative initiative leadingleading to working conditions to working conditions improvementsimprovements



SWOTSWOT-- ANALYSISANALYSISStrengthsStrengths

LegislationLegislation

alialiggnedned

withwith

thethe EuropeanEuropean

HH&&S frameworkS framework

Established institutional Established institutional framework of social dialogue framework of social dialogue at all levelsat all levelsCreated possibilities for Created possibilities for social partners to influence social partners to influence the elaboration of H&S the elaboration of H&S legislationlegislationInstitutionalisation of the Institutionalisation of the workers participation in H&S workers participation in H&S in the enterprises through in the enterprises through WCC&WCGWCC&WCGSocial partners commitment Social partners commitment to the H&S, including to the H&S, including awareness of the need for awareness of the need for increasing the effectiveness increasing the effectiveness of WCC&WCGof WCC&WCG

WeaknessesWeaknessesThe implementation of the The implementation of the legislation and strategy legislation and strategy Insufficient coordination Insufficient coordination between the H&S bodies at between the H&S bodies at different levelsdifferent levelsThe established social The established social partnership bodies in some partnership bodies in some branches do not work branches do not work enough effectively enough effectively WCCWCC, , and especially WCG in and especially WCG in many enterprisesmany enterprises, , mainly in mainly in SMEsSMEs, are formally , are formally established and do not established and do not function effectivelyfunction effectively

((existexist

‘‘only on paperonly on paper’’))



SWOTSWOT-- ANALYSISANALYSIS -- 22

StrengthsStrengthsSkilled expert trade union Skilled expert trade union potential at all levelspotential at all levels, , able able to provide support and to provide support and training to the workers training to the workers representatives in representatives in WCC&WCGWCC&WCGCommitted and motivated Committed and motivated workers representatives in workers representatives in WCC&WCGWCC&WCGRelatively well developed Relatively well developed skills and knowledge of the skills and knowledge of the workers representativesworkers representatives

WeaknessesWeaknessesThe statutory training is not The statutory training is not sufficient to include the sufficient to include the legislative amendmentslegislative amendments, , related related to the obligations of the EU to the obligations of the EU membershipmembership

and the rapidly and the rapidly

changing technologieschanging technologies, , and and work organization leading to work organization leading to new risksnew risksLack of initiative and insistence Lack of initiative and insistence on the part of WCCon the part of WCC&&WCG for WCG for the implementation of the the implementation of the legislative provisions and labour legislative provisions and labour rightsrightsLack of reliable information on Lack of reliable information on the number of the establishedthe number of the established

WCCWCC&&WCG, its composition and WCG, its composition and challenges that hinder their challenges that hinder their functioningfunctioning




OpportunitiesOpportunitiesIn the companies without trade In the companies without trade union organizationsunion organizations, , the the WCCWCC&&WCG are the only WCG are the only bodies able to represent and bodies able to represent and defend the employeesdefend the employees’’ interests in the field of H&Sinterests in the field of H&SEstablishment of the data base Establishment of the data base for the elected workersfor the elected workers’’ representatives as a subrepresentatives as a sub-- system of the Common system system of the Common system of reserve cadres of CITUB of reserve cadres of CITUB Provision of information and Provision of information and access to successfulaccess to successful

HH&&S S

European and national European and national practicespractices

TreatsTreatsLack of financial and Lack of financial and human resources human resources Low level of the employeesLow level of the employees’’ awareness about the Hawareness about the H&&S S issues and of the link issues and of the link between the work between the work environment quality and the environment quality and the quality of life. quality of life. Lack of employeesLack of employees’’ support support for the WCCfor the WCC&&WCG activity WCG activity Insufficient activity and Insufficient activity and commitment of the trade commitment of the trade unions at different levels unions at different levels with the WCC&WCGwith the WCC&WCGNewly emerging risksNewly emerging risks




OpportunitiesOpportunitiesIncreased cooperationIncreased cooperation, , exchange of experience and exchange of experience and best practices with the best practices with the Norwegian trade unionsNorwegian trade unionsWebWeb--site of the projectsite of the projectTraining seminars and expert Training seminars and expert support for the capacity support for the capacity building of the members of thebuilding of the members of thenational network national network Elaboration of training and Elaboration of training and information materials in the information materials in the priority areas identified in the priority areas identified in the surveysurvey

TreatsTreatsFlexible forms of employment Flexible forms of employment might be introduced without might be introduced without necessary securitynecessary security, , thus thus undermining the observation of the undermining the observation of the HH&&S requirements and monitoring S requirements and monitoring of the OSH regulations of the OSH regulations Lack of interest and motivationLack of interest and motivation

of of

young employees both for trade young employees both for trade union membership and forunion membership and for

taking taking

responsibility for H&S at work responsibility for H&S at work through participation in through participation in WCC&WCGWCC&WCGthe prolongation of the crisis might the prolongation of the crisis might undermine undermine the already achieved the already achieved partnership on H&S due to the lack partnership on H&S due to the lack of financial resources for risk of financial resources for risk prevention and working conditionsprevention and working conditions

improvementimprovement



MAIN CONCLUSIONSMAIN CONCLUSIONS

The survey findings reveal the relevance and actuality The survey findings reveal the relevance and actuality of the implementation of this projectof the implementation of this project, , as as the need for the need for training in different areas is clearly expressedtraining in different areas is clearly expressed, , and and the establishment of the WCCthe establishment of the WCC&&WCG network is WCG network is strongly supported by the participantsstrongly supported by the participants

in the survey in the survey

and the branch trade union leadership. It is viewed and the branch trade union leadership. It is viewed as an opportunity for awareness rising and for as an opportunity for awareness rising and for expanding the knowledge and skillsexpanding the knowledge and skills, , and ultimately and ultimately for increasing the efficiency for increasing the efficiency of the employees of the employees representatives in the WCC&WCG and improved representatives in the WCC&WCG and improved working conditions in the companiesworking conditions in the companies



MAIN CONCLUSIONSMAIN CONCLUSIONS -- 22The analysis of the survey findings reveals the need for:The analysis of the survey findings reveals the need for:

Improved horizontal and vertical coordination in Improved horizontal and vertical coordination in the CITUB systemthe CITUB system

aiming at more effective aiming at more effective

formationformation, , development and utilization of the development and utilization of the expert and organizational potential of CITUB for expert and organizational potential of CITUB for supporting the development of the Hsupporting the development of the H&&S bodies S bodies at all levels and providing synergy of their at all levels and providing synergy of their activitiesactivities. . Improved access of workers representatives in Improved access of workers representatives in WCC&WCG to information, training and WCC&WCG to information, training and methodological supportmethodological support

based on an inbased on an in--dept dept

need assessment and research.need assessment and research.Elaboration of training modulesElaboration of training modules

and information and information

materials on the basis of the identified needsmaterials on the basis of the identified needs..



MAIN CONCLUSIONSMAIN CONCLUSIONS -- 33

Exchange of experience and introduction of Exchange of experience and introduction of best national and European practices related best national and European practices related to the development and institutionalization of to the development and institutionalization of the social dialogue in the field of health and the social dialogue in the field of health and safety at worksafety at work..Development of the targeted data bases in Development of the targeted data bases in few directionsfew directions, , as followsas follows: : methodological methodological documentsdocuments, , legislationlegislation, , statistical statistical information, informational and training information, informational and training materials, research results, best practices, materials, research results, best practices, etc. to be used by the networketc. to be used by the network. .



Main trade union prioritiesMain trade union prioritiesAwareness rising of employees about the role and Awareness rising of employees about the role and significance of the WCCsignificance of the WCC&&WCG activities related to H&S WCG activities related to H&S andand

about about howhow

important is their support for the workers important is their support for the workers

representatives in the WCC&WCG.representatives in the WCC&WCG.Active social dialogue at all levels Active social dialogue at all levels Capacity building of the workers representativesCapacity building of the workers representatives

basedbased

on informationon information, , trainingtraining, , and sharing experience and best and sharing experience and best European and national practicesEuropean and national practices. . Extension of the institutional support for WCCExtension of the institutional support for WCC&&WCGWCG, , especially by the trade union organizations and social especially by the trade union organizations and social partnership bodies in the OSH areapartnership bodies in the OSH area..

As a final product of the project implementation we expect As a final product of the project implementation we expect to achieve improved activity of the WCCto achieve improved activity of the WCC& & WCG and a WCG and a value added in the field of health and safety at workvalue added in the field of health and safety at work forfor the employees and employers and for the national the employees and employers and for the national economy as a whole.economy as a whole.



KNOW-

LEDGE

INFORMA-

TION

SKILLS

IMPROVED ACTIVITY OF WCC&WCG

TRAINING

TRAININGLEGISLATIONSTATISTICSRESEARCH

EUROPEAN & NATIONAL

POLICY, STRATEGIES

&PLANS

Networking Sharing

experience and good practices

Networking Sharing

experience and good practices

POLICY& STRATEGIES

OF CITUB

VALU

E AD

DED

FOR

THE W

OR

KER

S, EM

PLOYER

S,

AN

D N

ATIO

NA

L EC

ON

OM

Y

health and safety committees & groups...

Documents