The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) has officially launched its new Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2026-2028, titled “Together for Mental Health at Work”, placing mental wellbeing and psychosocial risk prevention at the centre of the European occupational safety and health agenda.
Presented on 13 October, the campaign brings together European institutions, employers’ organisations, trade unions and occupational safety professionals around a common objective: improving how workplaces identify, prevent and manage psychosocial risks. Discussions during the launch highlighted the growing importance of addressing mental health as an organisational issue rather than solely an individual concern.
According to EU-OSHA, psychosocial risks remain one of the most significant workplace challenges in Europe. Factors such as excessive workloads, unclear responsibilities, ineffective communication, lack of support, job insecurity and poorly managed organisational change can all have a negative impact on workers’ mental and physical wellbeing. Stress, anxiety and depression are now among the most common work-related health issues reported by European employees.
The campaign promotes a preventive approach based on leadership commitment, worker participation and effective risk management. Employers are encouraged to identify psychosocial risks early, implement organisational measures to reduce their impact and create working environments that actively support mental wellbeing.
Another key theme is workplace inclusion. The campaign highlights the importance of designing working environments that accommodate different needs and remove barriers to participation. Flexible arrangements, appropriate workplace adjustments and supportive management practices can help workers remain productive and engaged while contributing to a healthier organisational culture.
A growing priority for occupational safety and health
Mental health is increasingly recognised as a fundamental component of occupational safety and health across Europe. Beyond its human impact, poor management of psychosocial risks can lead to increased absenteeism, higher staff turnover, reduced productivity and greater operational costs for employers.
At the European Watter Jetting Institute (EWJI), we welcome initiatives that help organisations strengthen their approach to health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace. As our industry continues to evolve, creating working environments that support both physical and mental health will be essential to maintaining a skilled, engaged and resilient workforce.