Social security and the “social safety net” in farming and impacts on occupational safety and health

SafeHabitus Policy Workshops aim to synthesize the latest and most relevant scientific research and practical insights from a wide variety of stakeholders. We facilitate debate and share perspectives among those actors and European policymakers directly involved in issues related to OSH and social coverage in the sector. By gathering the latest evidence, we seek to provide policymakers with the knowledge and evidence needed to drive positive change and improve working conditions in the sector.

The seminar is divided into three distinct parts: setting the scene; understanding EU and international approaches; and exploring policy and policy options. The scene setting draws on research to present the OSH needs of farmers and farm workers and how these can be supported by social safety nets. The segment on understanding EU and international approaches will present summaries of the different approaches applied in different countries, and that on exploring policy will provide an opportunity for policy stakeholders to outline current initiatives and explore potential policy options that can support improved working conditions in agriculture.

SafeHabitus (2023-2026), funded under Horizon Europe, is a multi-actor project that aims to strengthen Farm Health and Safety Knowledge Innovation Systems (FHS KIS) and support the EU transition to social sustainability in farming. Improving farm health and safety requires action from a range of stakeholders. At SafeHabitus, we bring together farmers, farming organisations, farm advisors, researchers, trade unions, health authorities, policy stakeholders, and other relevant actors from across Europe to tackle the urgent occupational health and safety challenges faced by farmers and farm workers.