The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), which was established in Bilbao in 1996, intends to make workplaces safer, healthier and more productive. In order to achieve this goal it provides all EU institutions and member states as well as companies and occupational safety and health actors with relevant technical, scientific and economical information in the field of safety and health at work.

In cooperation with the government, social partners and small to large sized enterprises EU-OSHA promotes occupational safety and health all over Europe. In order to organise the exchange of good practices, 38 Focal Points (FOP) were set up - besides the 27 member states and the states participating in European Free Trade Association (EFTA) potential member state countries are also represented as FOPs.

Tasks in detail

By collecting, analysing and disseminating information concerning occupational safety and health in Europe as well as organising "Healthy Workplaces Campaigns" to raise awareness of up-to-date topics, EU-OSHA aims at contributing to make workplaces healthier and more productive. An important approach is prevention in the field of occupational safety and health. Particularly, micro, small and medium enterprises should be supported in the implementation of risk assessment and exchanging knowledge and good practice.

In the area of research, the agency seeks to identify and evaluate new and emerging risk at the workplace. Furthermore issues of occupational safety and health are introduced in other policies like education, public health and research. An interdisciplinary way of thinking regarding occupational safety and health is promoted. EU-OSHA also advises the European Commission.

The Agency has taken on the following tasks, among others:

• Collection of relevant information concerning safety and health at work
• Provision of relevant information for the European Commission in order to accomplish its task of identification, elaboration and evaluation of measures and legislation in the field of occupational safety and health
• Organisation of events and seminars
• Promotion and support of collaboration as well as the exchange of information between member states
• Dissemination of validated information to Focal Points and stakeholders as well as via publications and campaigns
• Participation in the developmental of future joint action programmes

The information is made available to the following target groups:

• Social partners and their representatives as well as OSH actors
• Governments and their relevant departments/institutes
• The European Commission and European institutions
• Research institutes and researchers

Furthermore, the agency complies with the following tasks at European level:

• Provision of essential statistics and other information necessary for the definition of priority areas of activity to the Member States and the European Commission Cooperation with other EU-institutions, (e.g. European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions) and international organisations and countries in order to maximise knowledge and avoid duplication of work

Management of EU-OSHA

The founding Regulation of EU-OSHA stipulates that the Agency is headed by a Director appointed by the Management Board on a proposal from the Commission for a period of five years. A reappointment is possible.

William Cockburn Salazar has been the Executive Director of EU-OSHA since October 2023.

The director is the official representative of the agency. She/he is responsible for the management including financial, administrative and personnel matters and also accountable to the advisory committee.

The Management Board defines the objectives and strategies and identifies priorities for further information and/or activities. It appoints the director of the agency and accepts the yearly management programme, the working programme, the annual report and the budget report. The Management Board consists of governmental representatives, employer and employee representatives, agents of the European commission and observers. The chair of the Management Board rotates yearly among the three stakeholders.

The Executive Board functions as a steering board and supervises the work of the agency. It meets four times a year and consists of eleven members of the management board.

The management of EU-OSHA is currently being recruited.

EU-OSHA Strategy 2025-2034

The EU-OSHA Strategy for the period 2025-2034 sets out the strategic framework for the work of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Its aim is to better protect workers and to make workplaces safer and healthier. In doing so, the Strategy responds to changes such as digitalisation, climate change and demographic change. EU-OSHA sees itself as a supporting organisation that provides knowledge, promotes practical solutions and connects actors across Europe.

Strategic Line of Action 1: Evidence and knowledge for policy and research

A core element of the Strategy is the provision of reliable knowledge. EU-OSHA collects and analyses information on workplace risks, work-related health effects and effective prevention measures. These findings are intended to support policy decisions at European and national level and to help identify new risks at an early stage.

Strategic Line of Action 2: Tools and resources for prevention

Another key focus is on practical support. EU-OSHA develops and disseminates tools, guidance and examples of good practice that help companies and workers implement occupational safety and health measures. It works closely with national partners to ensure that these resources can be adapted to different sectors and working conditions.

Strategic Line of Action 3: Raising awareness and networking for a positive safety and health culture at work

In addition, the Strategy emphasises information and cooperation. Through Europe-wide campaigns and targeted communication, EU-OSHA aims to raise awareness of safety and health at work. At the same time, it promotes exchange between authorities, social partners and other actors in order to support a shared prevention culture across Europe.

For more information, download EU-OSHA's strategy 2025-2034 linked below.

Contact EU-OSHA

Head office in Bilbao
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
12 Santiago de Compostela (Edificio Miribilla), 5th Floor
48003 Bilbao, Spain
information@osha.europa.eu

Liaison office in Brussels
Bogdan Deleanu
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
Rue du Commerce, 46 - P046 (Floor 2)
1000 Brussels, Belgium
blo@osha.europa.eu