The Role of Healthy Workplace in Austria

Abstract

The topic of healthy workplace is part of the Austrian health targets. The 10 Austrian health targets were developed with the aim to prolong the healthy life years of all people living in Austria within 20 years (until 2032), irrespective of their level of education, income or personal living condition. Th e 10 health targets were offi cially approved by the Bundesgesundheitskommission and the Council of Ministers in summer 2012. Th ey were mentioned in two government programs and are an important basis for the health reform process. Th e fi rst health target focuses on provide health-promoting living and working conditions for all population groups through cooperation of all societal and political areas. Healthy working conditions are a relevant determinant for health and at the focus of health politics in Austria.Developing a national strategy for healthy workplaces is thereby the most infl uential activity that is set by the Ministry of Labour, Social Aff airs, Health and Consumer Protection and Social Security Institutions. Th e main aim of this strategy is to develop an integrated system, in order to achieve the needs of the people and companies.In Austria exists the system of employee protection, which has two specifi c aspects which the other sectors do not have: 1. Employee protection (a legal duty for companies, which means that companies have to fulfi ll the legal requirements), health promotion and reintegration (voluntary for the enterprises). 2. The Fulfi lment of the le gal requirements is controlled by federal institutions — the Labour Inspection. The Duties of these two Institutions are defi ned by federal law and focus mainly on technical protection, working conditions and which is new since 2015 on mental workloads. Health promotion is regulated by diff erent kinds of legal sources at the federal level. Concerning workplace health promotion the two biggest and most important stakeholders are the Network of Workplace Health promotion which is mostly driven by health insurance and the Funds healthy Austria.In Austria exists the national Program “Fit2work”, which is responsible for reintegration at workplaces. Th is National Program is fi nanced by Accident Insurance, Health Insurance, Pension Insurance, Employment Service, unemployment insurance, Ministry of Social and Labour and off ers services for individuals and companies.Also, the key element of the network is the quality-assurance-system, which is well accepted and established in Austria. However modern companies need integrated services that would combine workplace health promotion with employee protection and occupational integration management. These three fields have different legal bases in Austria and are implemented by diff erent institutions now, which is why there is a need for additional collaborations and networks.