Quo vadis, Estonian occupational safety and health policy?
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Programme Director, Praxis Center for Policy Studies
In the context of the Estonian work capacity reform, we have seen a discussion on the need to establish an insurance system for work accidents and occupational diseases, with a view to motivate employers to improve the working environment.
However, occupational health and safety policy should be viewed more broadly, taking into account the changes on the labour market, such as the ageing workforce; changing enterprises; diversity of work formats; and emerging risks. The working environment should encourage a broader perspective on occupational health and safety policy. We need to find the measures for reducing work-related health problems, and supporting lifelong work capability. The relations of work and health have become more complex, and it is only to be expected that the respective policies are aimed at protecting all the workers from work-related risks, as well as improving their health and work capacity. An insurance system for work accidents and occupational diseases may be efficient, but it will not solve all the existing and future challenges of occupational health.