The Press Office of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs issued the following statement:
The National Strategy for Occupational Health and Safety for the period 2022-2027 and the Action Programme for the current two-year period (2022-2023) are adopted by a Ministerial Decision signed by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Kostis Hatzidakis.
The National Strategy was developed after consultation with the social partners, takes into account the EU Strategic Framework for Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027 announced in June 2021 and includes three sub-objectives: preventing risks at work, improving the legislative framework and developing a functioning national governance system for occupational health and safety. Indicatively, some of the measures included in the National Strategy are:
-The promotion of the creation of a special "Occupational Risk Insurance Institution (occupational morbidity)" after consultation with the social partners.
-The operation of the new Integrated Information System "HERIDANOS" for the HSE with funding from the recovery fund.
-The development of an integrated mechanism for reporting and recording occupational accidents and occupational diseases.
-To enhance preparedness against possible future health crises by developing permanent synergies between Occupational Health and Safety and Public Health (e.g. issuing circulars and practical guides, developing preparedness plans, coordination meetings, etc.).
- The modernization of the procedure of conducting inspections, with the use of new technologies, such as the use of portable "tablets" by inspectors and the entry of the inspection recommendations in the account of each employer in the Integrated Information System of the Labour Inspectorate.
-The adoption of a "register of audit steps", i.e. a standardised electronic procedure for conducting the audit using a check list and recording the data in the Integrated Information System of the Labour Inspectorate.
-Actions to prevent psychosocial risks at work (work-related stress, violence and harassment, bullying, burnout).
- Updating national legislation on HSE, taking into account the need to support enterprises (e.g. adjusting the specialisations that can perform the duties of Safety Technicians, modernising the framework for the provision of occupational health services, strengthening the participation of workers, reducing bureaucratic burdens, etc.)
Training programmes for employers, employees and health and safety professionals (safety technicians, occupational physicians, etc.) with emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, it is planned to implement information and awareness-raising activities for teachers and students at all levels of education.
- Deepening cooperation with the social partners, both by utilizing the Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (ELINYAE), their scientific body for HSE issues, and by upgrading the Employee Health & Safety Council, the tripartite consultation body for the relevant issues.