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

Проект с финансовата подкрепа на Норвегия чрез Норвежката програма за сътрудничество за икономически растеж и устойчиво развитие в България

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 GROUPS: COMPOSITION, ACTIVITIES

AND PROBLEMSAND PROBLEMSSurvey data analysis in the constuctionSurvey data analysis in the constuction

19-21 May19-21 May 20 201010

D-r Nadezhda DaskalovaD-r Nadezhda Daskalova, , Institute for Social and Trade Union ResearchInstitute for Social and Trade Union Research

Проект с финансовата подкрепа на Норвегия чрез Норвежката програма за сътрудничество за икономически растеж и устойчиво развитие в България www.hse-bg.org

Проект 2008/108471 "Здравословни, безопасни и екологични условия на труд“Проект 2008/108471 "Здравословни, безопасни и екологични условия на труд“

. . BackgroundBackground Legislative framework – Legislative framework – aligned with EU legislationaligned with EU legislationEstablished Institutional framework for social Established Institutional framework for social dialogue and workers’ participation on H&Sdialogue and workers’ participation 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--EuropeanEuropean opinion poll on 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 thewhich two of the following would most influence 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 directions of activity of the WCC&WCG in enterprises directions of activity of the WCC&WCG in enterprises in the six pilot sectors, including constructionin the six pilot sectors, including construction;;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 to Propose 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 FINDINGS

Sample Sample

58 58 workersworkers’ ’ representatives in WCC&WCG representatives in WCC&WCG from from 11 11 enterprises in the construction:enterprises in the construction:

БГС Груп АД, ГУСВ Бетон, Домостроителен БГС Груп АД, ГУСВ Бетон, Домостроителен комбинат София АД, ДП Строителство и комбинат София АД, ДП Строителство и възстановяване, ДП ТСВ Главно възстановяване, ДП ТСВ Главно управление, Златна Панега Цимент АД, ЗСК управление, Златна Панега Цимент АД, ЗСК Боруй АД, Монтажи база Плевен, Областно Боруй АД, Монтажи база Плевен, Областно пътно управление, Предприятие ДП СВ, пътно управление, Предприятие ДП СВ, Щрабаг.Щрабаг.



SIZE OF THE ENTERPRISESSIZE OF THE ENTERPRISES

67% 33% 50-249over 250



OWNERSHIP OF THE OWNERSHIP OF THE ENTERPRISEENTERPRISE

51%

1,51,5

7

38%

private BGownershipprivate foreignownershipMNC subsidiary

municipal ownership

state ownership



Main occupational hazards Main occupational hazards at the workplaceat the workplace

noise noise 72,7% 72,7% tiring or painful working positionstiring or painful working positions 54,554,5% % vibrationsvibrations 38,2%38,2%carrying heavy loadscarrying heavy loads 30,930,9%%high temperatureshigh temperatures 23,623,6%%repetitive movementsrepetitive movements 20,020,0%%stressstress due to work overload due to work overload 16,4%16,4%stress due to the lack of timestress due to the lack of time 16,4%16,4%high health riskhigh health risk 14,5%14,5%high risk for the lifehigh risk for the life 9,1%9,1%shift and night workshift and night work 9,1%9,1%Bullying, harassmentBullying, harassment 3,6%3,6%Violence or treat of violenceViolence or treat of violence 3,6% 3,6% Working Working with biological substanceswith biological substances 3,6%3,6%harmful radiationharmful radiation 1,8%1,8%



Accidents at the workplaceAccidents at the workplaceaccidents in the last 3 yearsaccidents in the last 3 years

yesyes - - 35,1% 35,1% nono - - 47,4 % 47,4 % do not knowdo not know - - 17,5%17,5%

From 1 to From 1 to 4 – 4 – 90,0 % 90,0 % 1313 – –10,0 % 10,0 %

Fatal accidentsFatal accidents yesyes - 21,1 % - 21,1 % nono - 59,6% - 59,6% don't’ knowdon't’ know - - 19,3 %19,3 %

NumberNumber of fatal accidentsof fatal accidents(1(133) Thirteen) ThirteenAccording to the official statistical dataAccording to the official statistical data accidents in accidents in construction in 2008 were construction in 2008 were 423 (11,3% 423 (11,3% of the total for the of the total for the countrycountry), ), of which fatal accidents wereof which fatal accidents were 41. 41. In 2009 the In 2009 the accidents decreased to accidents decreased to 311 (10,5% 311 (10,5% of the total) and 25 of the total) and 25 fatal accidents. In the first quarter of 2010 - fatal accidents. In the first quarter of 2010 - 61 (7% 61 (7% of of the total for the country) and 8 fatal accidentsthe total for the country) and 8 fatal accidents



Assessment of the Employer OSH Assessment of the Employer OSH policypolicy

The analysis of the dataThe analysis of the data, , related to the assessment of related to the assessment of employeremployer’’s OSH policy shows that s OSH policy shows that according to over according to over 7755% to 98%% to 98% of the respondents their employer has of the respondents their employer has::

Programme for workProgramme for working conditions ing conditions improvement improvement (98,1%);(98,1%);Makes risk assessment Makes risk assessment ( (91,491,4%);%);Programme for workers healthProgramme for workers health ( (85,485,4%)%)Programme for risk reduction and elimination Programme for risk reduction and elimination (80,4%) %) (80,4%) %) introduces clear and transparent OSH policyintroduces clear and transparent OSH policy ((76,476,4%) %) Ensures the necessary conditions for workers Ensures the necessary conditions for workers participation in WCCparticipation in WCC&&WCGWCG (74,1%) (74,1%)



Employers OSH policy - 2Employers OSH policy - 2

Lower is the share of respondents, which consider Lower is the share of respondents, which consider that the employer: that the employer: Is fully committed to the working conditions Is fully committed to the working conditions improvementimprovement ( (64,964,9%)%)Invests in the working conditions improvement Invests in the working conditions improvement (60,4%) (60,4%) ssupports the trade union demands for working upports the trade union demands for working environment improvementenvironment improvement ( (60,960,9%) and%) andTakes seriously the WCC&WCG activity Takes seriously the WCC&WCG activity (58,9%)(58,9%)

However only about half of the respondents considers that However only about half of the respondents considers that the employer informs on a regular basis the WCC&WCG the employer informs on a regular basis the WCC&WCG and the personnel about the foreseen restructuring and and the personnel about the foreseen restructuring and changes in the technology.changes in the technology.



WWСССС&WCG&WCG establishment and composition establishment and compositionYear of establishmentYear of establishment

♦♦ 1997 -2000 – 39,7%1997 -2000 – 39,7%♦♦ 2002 -2003 – 50%2002 -2003 – 50%♦♦ 2007-2008 2007-2008 - - 10,10,3%3%

CompositionComposition ♦♦ 6 6 personspersons – 25,9% – 25,9% ♦♦ 7 7 personspersons - 29,3% - 29,3% ♦♦ 8 8 personspersons - 29,3% - 29,3% ♦♦ 10 10 personspersons – – 115,5% 5,5%

Number of trade union membersNumber of trade union members in WCC&Win WCC&Wfromfrom toto - - 79,3% (5 – 62,1%)79,3% (5 – 62,1%)

OverOver – – 20,7%,20,7%, !!!!!!



Activity of WCC&WCGActivity of WCC&WCG ((meetings heldmeetings held in the last in the last 12 12 monthsmonths))

number of the meetings %

Up to two 4411,,44

Three- Four 5588,,66

Just 34,5% follow the legislative obligation to conduct 4 meeting annually



Activity of WCC&WCG Activity of WCC&WCG – 2– 2

Time devotedTime devoted (monthly) to the responsibility (monthly) to the responsibility of of being representative in WCC&WCGbeing representative in WCC&WCG

♦ ♦ does not spent any timedoes not spent any time – 1 – 1 personperson

♦♦ 1-21-2 hourshours– – 58,9%58,9%

♦♦ betweenbetween 3 3 and and 5 5 hourshours–– 26,7% 26,7%

♦♦ overover 5 5 hourshours -- 14,3% 14,3%

working climate in WCCworking climate in WCC&&WCGWCG ::

♦♦ cooperationcooperation– – 82,8%82,8%

♦♦ mixed climate of cooperation and mixed climate of cooperation and confrontationconfrontation – – 17,2%17,2%



Activity of WCC&WCG Activity of WCC&WCG – 3– 3main issues discussedmain issues discussed

measures measures related to H&S of the employeesrelated to H&S of the employees– – 9191,,44%%; ; planning and organization of the employeesplanning and organization of the employees’ ’ training on training on OSH OSH – – 8282,,88%%; ; analyses of the employees’ health analyses of the employees’ health - - 8282,,88%%; ; planning and organization of the WCC&WCG activity - planning and organization of the WCC&WCG activity - 62,62,1%;1%; occupational accidents occupational accidents – 4– 488,3%.,3%.

Rarely have been discussed such issues asRarely have been discussed such issues as::the results of the risk assessment the results of the risk assessment – 41,4%; – 41,4%; results of the inspections and recommendations of the results of the inspections and recommendations of the control bodies control bodies - - 36,36,2%; 2%; and the foreseen changes of the technologyand the foreseen changes of the technology, , work work organization and workplaces organization and workplaces – – 2929,,33%.%.



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

between 60 and 76% consider that the between 60 and 76% consider that the employer is providing conditions for the employer is providing conditions for the activity of WCC&WCG includingactivity of WCC&WCG including::

stationery and equipmentstationery and equipment – – 98,2%;98,2%;

premisespremises– 98,2%;– 98,2%;

telephonetelephone/ / faxfax – 98,2%;– 98,2%;

Internet accessInternet access – 8 – 86,6,3%.3%.



Conditions for the realisation of Conditions for the realisation of the WCCthe WCC&&WCG membersWCG members’ ’ rightsrightsAccessAccess to: to: ProvidedProvided To To

some some extentextent

Do Do not not provi-provi-dedded

Initial trainingInitial training 92,392,3 7,77,7

Further annual trainingFurther annual training 63,263,2 33,333,3 3,53,5

ExistingExisting information concerning information concerning working conditionsworking conditions

67,267,2 29,329,3 3,43,4

AnalysesAnalyses of work accidents and of work accidents and occupational morbidityoccupational morbidity 7755,,88 24,224,2

Inspection reports and Inspection reports and recommendationsrecommendations 54,454,4 35,135,1 10,510,5

Risk assessmentRisk assessment 75,975,9 22,422,4 1,71,7



Conditions for the realisation of Conditions for the realisation of the WCCthe WCC&&WCG membersWCG members’ ’ rightsrights - 2- 2RightsRights ProvidedProvided To some To some

extentextent Do not Do not provi-provi-dedded

To To require of the employer to require of the employer to undertake undertake the the appropriate measuresappropriate measures 55,855,8 40,440,4 3,53,5

To make suggestions for To make suggestions for mitigatmitigatinging hazards and hazards and temporally temporally removremoving ing sources of danger tosources of danger to employees’ employees’ safety and healthsafety and health

71,771,7 26,326,3 2,62,6

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

42,942,9 35,735,7 21,421,4

To To participate in the inspectionparticipate in the inspectionss visits visits of of the control authorities the control authorities

58,958,9 33,933,9 7,17,1



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

RightsRights ProvidedProvided To To some some extentextent

Do Do not not provi-provi-dedded

To To discuss discuss quarterly quarterly the whole range of the whole range of activities related toactivities related toH&SH&S of employees of employees

63,063,0 35,235,2 1,91,9

To propose and To propose and adopt measures to improve adopt measures to improve the the activities related to the activities related to the S&H S&H of of employeesemployees

65,565,5 34,534,5

To To take part in the elaboration of information take part in the elaboration of information and training programand training programmemes on s on OSH OSH issuesissues

64,364,3 30,430,4 5,45,4

To To carry out inspections on the carry out inspections on the implementation of implementation of OSH requirementsOSH requirements

74,174,1 19,019,0 6,96,9

To To discuss the plandiscuss the planed ed introduction of new introduction of new technologies, work organizationtechnologies, work organization and and to to propose solutionspropose solutions H&S H&S

44,244,2 51,951,9 3,83,8

To To keep watch on accidents and keep watch on accidents and occupational morbidity occupational morbidity

80,780,7 17,517,5 1,81,8



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

timely resolving of the problems related timely resolving of the problems related toto OSH issues OSH issues – – 72,472,4%%

improvement of the working conditions improvement of the working conditions – – 58,658,6 % %

increased employees’ awareness and increased employees’ awareness and information about OSH information about OSH - 5- 588,,66%%

decreased number of accidents at the decreased number of accidents at the workplace – 50,0workplace – 50,0%%..



Impact of the WCC&WCG activityImpact of the WCC&WCG activity - 2 - 2

LessLess impact on such issues asimpact on such issues as:: better compliance of the employers’ policy better compliance of the employers’ policy with the legislation with the legislation - - 444,4,88%%; ; creating possibility for better environment creating possibility for better environment protection protection – – 43,1%; 43,1%; decreasing number of disputes related to decreasing number of disputes related to OSH OSH – – 36,236,2%%; ; decreasing absence from work due to poor decreasing absence from work due to poor health - 29,3% and health - 29,3% and better observation of the workers’ labour better observation of the workers’ labour rights rights - 2- 244,1 %,1 %..



Main difficultiesMain difficulties in the realisation of in the realisation of the representativesthe representatives activityactivity

lack of time lack of time - 71,1%- 71,1%; ; lack of resources lack of resources - 47,4% - 47,4% ttunderestimation of the WCC activity by the employeesunderestimation of the WCC activity by the employees - 34,2% - 34,2% underestimation of the WCC activity by the employerunderestimation of the WCC activity by the employer - - 34,2%34,2%; ; Despite few, some of the respondents indicate Despite few, some of the respondents indicate alsoalso:: difficulties caused by the employer - 15,8%,difficulties caused by the employer - 15,8%,the lack of the necessary knowledge and experiencethe lack of the necessary knowledge and experience – – 13,2%13,2%the lack of support on the part of the trade unions in the lack of support on the part of the trade unions in the enterprise – 5,3%.the enterprise – 5,3%.



Institutional support of the Institutional support of the WCC&WCG WCC&WCG YesYes NONO Did not Did not

ask for ask for

supportsupport Trade union organization in the Trade union organization in the companycompany

92,992,9 7,17,1

Occupational medicine officesOccupational medicine offices 75,975,9 6,96,9 17,217,2FunctionariesFunctionaries responsible for OSH in responsible for OSH in the companythe company

89,389,3 7,17,1 3,63,6

ColleaguesColleagues 92,792,7 7,37,3

EmployerEmployer 68,468,4 14,014,0 17,517,5General Labour Inspectorate& branchesGeneral Labour Inspectorate& branches 32,732,7 6,16,1 61,261,2Branch trade union federationBranch trade union federation 27,527,5 3,93,9 68,668,6Branch Working Conditions CouncilBranch Working Conditions Council 21,621,6 11,811,8 66,766,7Regional Working Conditions CouncilRegional Working Conditions Council 2,22,2 8,78,7 89,189,1



Training needsTraining needs Legislation on H&S - Legislation on H&S - 65,5%65,5% Best nationalBest national//branch practices on H&S branch practices on H&S - 50,0%- 50,0% Best European practices on HBest European practices on H&&SS - 48,3% - 48,3% Labour legislation Labour legislation - - 44,8 %44,8 % Types of occupational risks and risk assessmentTypes of occupational risks and risk assessment

- 27,6 % - 27,6 % Nature and measures for stress and violence at Nature and measures for stress and violence at

the workplace preventionthe workplace prevention -24,1% -24,1% Specific workplace hazards Specific workplace hazards - 13,8%- 13,8% Communication skillsCommunication skills - 13,8% - 13,8% Skills for team workingSkills for team working – 12,1 % – 12,1 %



Willingness to participate in the Willingness to participate in the networknetwork

Willingness to participate in the networkWillingness to participate in the network expressedexpressed 93, 1%,93, 1%,

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 to exchange experience and best practicesto exchange experience and best practices 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 to receive quality methodological supportto receive quality methodological support

6,9%6,9% dodo not willing to participatenot willing to participate, , becausebecause: : do not do not have Internet access or time for full engagementhave Internet access or time for full engagement



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 membersWCC&WCG members - - 70,7 %,70,7 %, Overcoming the formal character of the activity of Overcoming the formal character of the activity of the WCC&WCG the WCC&WCG - 59,6% - 59,6% Increasing workers awareness and initiative Increasing workers awareness and initiative - 51,7%- 51,7%Making use of the best national and European Making use of the best national and European practicespractices - 37,9 % - 37,9 %Better opportunities for voicing the workers Better opportunities for voicing the workers interestsinterests - 36,2 % - 36,2 %Stronger support by trade unions at all levels for Stronger support by trade unions at all levels for resolving the emerging problemsresolving the emerging problems - 36,2% - 36,2%



Factors supporting the improvement Factors supporting the improvement of WCC&WCG activityof WCC&WCG activity - 2 - 2

Better implementation and enforcement of the Better implementation and enforcement of the legislation legislation - 32,8%- 32,8% Elaboration of concrete measures for risk Elaboration of concrete measures for risk prevention prevention - 25,9% - 25,9% Closer link with and support from the General Closer link with and support from the General Labour Inspectorate Labour Inspectorate - 17,2 % - 17,2 % Development of comprehensive programme for Development of comprehensive programme for improvement of the working conditions with improvement of the working conditions with clearly assigned responsibilities of all clearly assigned responsibilities of all stakeholders stakeholders - 17,2%- 17,2%Wider opportunities for participation in the Wider opportunities for participation in the decision makingdecision making - 15,5% - 15,5%Provision of better conditions for the realization of Provision of better conditions for the realization of the WCCthe WCC&&WCG activity WCG activity - 12,1%- 12,1%



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

GenderGender59,59,6%6% 40,4%40,4%

((!! In the branch the women represent about 10%In the branch the women represent about 10%)) EducationEducation

Secondary generalSecondary general – – 77%% Secondary professional Secondary professional –– 33,333,3%% HigherHigher – – 59,6 59,6%%



Profile of the workers Profile of the workers representative in WCC&WCGrepresentative in WCC&WCG - 2 - 2

AgeAge up to up to 30 30 yearsyears – – 1,81,8 !! !!31- 40 31- 40 yearsyears – 22,8% – 22,8% 41- 50 41- 50 yearsyears – – 35,1%35,1% 51- 60 51- 60 yearsyears – – 35,1%35,1% over 60 – 5,3%over 60 – 5,3%

Length of service in the companyLength of service in the company up to up to 1 1 yearyear – – 1,8%1,8%

1 - 3 1 - 3 yearsyears – 10,5% – 10,5% 4 - 10 4 - 10 yearsyears -- -- 24,6%24,6% 11 - 15 11 - 15 yearsyears - - 12,3%12,3% 16 - 20 16 - 20 yearsyears – 1,8% – 1,8% over over 20 20 yearsyears – – 4499,,11%%




Occupational positionOccupational position ♦ ♦ Managerial Managerial – – 63,6%63,6%

♦♦ ExecutiveExecutive – – 36,4%36,4%

Trade union membershipTrade union membership YesYes – – 5555,,22%%

CITUBCITUB – 78,1% – 78,1%

CL PodkrepaCL Podkrepa – 9,4 – 9,4%%

Other Other – 12,5%– 12,5%




Length of service as a member of WCC&WCGLength of service as a member of WCC&WCG♦ ♦ from from 1 1 toto 2 2 yearsyears – – 44%,44%,

♦ ♦ from from 3 3 to to 5 5 yearsyears - - 26,8% 26,8% ♦ ♦ fromfrom 6 6 toto 12 12 yearsyears - - 29%.29%. InitiativesInitiatives introduced introduced measures for improvement of the measures for improvement of the

working conditions by the worker working conditions by the worker representative initiativerepresentative initiative yesyes - - 58%58% ( (improvement of the labour improvement of the labour environment, personal protective equipment environment, personal protective equipment and cloths)and cloths) NoNo - - 442% 2%



Profile of the workers Profile of the workers representative in WCC&WCG representative in WCC&WCG – 5– 5

Participation in training on H&SParticipation in training on H&S♦♦ yesyes, , organised by employer - organised by employer - 63,8%63,8%

♦♦ yesyes, , organised by trade unions organised by trade unions -- 19% 19%

♦♦ otherother - - 12,112,1%%

♦♦ did not participated did not participated - - 13,813,8%%

Internet accessInternet access

77,77,8% 8% - - in the office in the office

50% 50% - - at home at home

77,4,4% % - - do not have do not have



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

SummarizingSummarizing, , the typical workers’ the typical workers’ representative in WCC&WCG in the construction representative in WCC&WCG in the construction isis::

Men, aged between Men, aged between 41and 6041and 60 years years, , with tertiary with tertiary education, with length of service in the company education, with length of service in the company over 2over 20 0 yearsyears, , represented in all occupational represented in all occupational groups, but with prevalence at managerial groups, but with prevalence at managerial positions positions

He is trade union memberHe is trade union member, , and despite with no and despite with no long experience as employee representative, long experience as employee representative, displays high level of initiative displays high level of initiative leading leading to to working conditions improvementsworking conditions improvements..



SWOT- SWOT- ANALYSISANALYSISStrengthsStrengths

Legislation alined with the Legislation alined with the European European 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

WeaknessesWeaknesses The 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 SMEs, are formally SMEs, are formally established and do not established and do not function effectivelyfunction effectively ( (existexist ‘‘only on paperonly on paper’)’)



SWOT- SWOT- ANALYSISANALYSIS - 2 - 2StrengthsStrengths

Skilled 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



SWOT- SWOT- ANALYSISANALYSIS - 3 - 3OpportunitiesOpportunities

In 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 practices European and national practices

TreatsTreats Lack 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&WCG Newly emerging risksNewly emerging risks



SWOT- SWOT- ANALYSISANALYSIS - 4 - 4OpportunitiesOpportunities

Increased cooperationIncreased cooperation, , exchange of experience and exchange of experience and best practices with the best practices with the Norwegian trade unionsNorwegian trade unionsWeb-site of the projectWeb-site of the project Training 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 the

national 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

TreatsTreats Flexible forms of employment Flexible forms of employment might be introduced without the might be introduced without the necessary securitynecessary security, , thus thus undermining the observation of undermining the observation of the Hthe H&&S requirements and the S requirements and the monitoring of the OSH regulations monitoring 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 the prolongation of the crisis might might undermine undermine the already the already achieved partnership on H&S due achieved partnership on H&S due to the lack of financial resources to the lack of financial resources for risk prevention and working for risk prevention and working conditionsconditions 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 - 2- 2The 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 at S bodies at all levels and providing synergy of their 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 in-dept based on an in-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 - 3- 3

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 based based 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 for for 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

TRAINING

LEGISLATIONSTATISTICSRESEARCH

EUROPEAN & NATIONAL

POLICY, STRATEGIES

&PLANS

Networking Sharing

experience and good practices

Networking Sharing

experience and good practices

POLICY& STRATEGIES

OF CITUB

VA

LU

E A

DD

ED

FO

R T

HE

WO

RK

ER

S,

EM

PL

OY

ER

S, A

ND

NA

TIO

NA

L

EC

ON

OM

Y

Documents

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