Occupational health and safety policy and psychosocial risks in Europe: the role of stakeholders' perceptions.
BACKGROUND
Psychosocial risks are now largely acknowledged throughout Europe as important challenges in occupational health and safety. However, there appear to be wide gaps in perception between experts and the general population on the nature and the relevance of psychosocial risks that have a potential impact on policy development and implementation in this area.


METHODS
This study investigated the level of knowledge among European stakeholders, of legislation on occupational safety and health, focusing particularly on psychosocial risk factors. 75 members of employers' associations, trade unions and government institutions from 21 countries in the European Union (EU) participated in the study. In addition, to further elaborate the findings of the survey, focus groups were organised during a 2-day stakeholder workshop.


RESULTS
The level of application of European Directive 89/391 for the assessment and management of psychosocial risks and work-related stress was largely reported by the stakeholders as inadequate. This opinion was more marked in the new EU27 countries than the older EU15, and the difference was significant as regards the impact of the Directive on the assessment and management of psychosocial risks. Overall, psychosocial risks and work-related stress were reported to be important occupational health and safety concerns; however there were important differences among stakeholders in different countries.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the development of knowledge and activities on both the policy and practice levels in recent years, further work is still needed to harmonize stakeholder perceptions in this area in the various EU member states.
Iavicoli
Sergio
S
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention (ISPESL), Monteporzio Catone, Rome, Italy. Sergio.iavicoli@ispesl.it
Natali
Elena
E
Deitinger
Patrizia
P
Maria Rondinone
Bruna
B
Ertel
Michael
M
Jain
Aditya
A
Leka
Stavroula
S
D003625:Data Collection; D005062:European Union; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016272:Occupational Health; D016134:Organizational Policy; D011050:Policy Making; D011584:Psychology; D012307:Risk Factors