Assessing Working Conditions : The European Practice

The first step to be taken in the process of improving working conditions is to assess the actual situation.

This is not a purely technical process. Because the assessment does not only cover the physical work environment but also covers work organization and job content as well as the social environment, the close involvement of all parties concerned, especially workers, is essential.

If assessments are to be followed by effective improvements they should be part of an overall health promotion strategy and constitute an integral part of company management practices.

This report reviews best practices and methods in EU companies and highlights some key features for successful evaluations of conditions.