Occupational safety and occupational health – hand in hand

Craftsmanship is present everywhere something is created in everyday life: at the bakery, on the construction site, in the workshop. It keeps our society running – through expertise, drive, and a great deal of innovative spirit. But this commitment often comes at a price: physical, mental, and health-related.

This article is part of the special topic Occupational safety in the company

Who visites works in the trade, knows what it means, to pull through – often to the limit. 85 percent of craftsmen and women describe their Health status as "good" or "very good"This is a result of the new study "How healthy is craftsmanship", which the IKK classic published every two years jointly with the German Sport University Cologne. At the same time, the sickness rate in the skilled trades is above average at seven percent.

Health in the skilled trades: resilience and challenges

"At first glance, this seems contradictory – but if you look more closely, you'll see that both are true. Those who work in trades are physically demanding. For many, it's normal that this can sometimes lead to health problems. Many craftsmen and women still find their work meaningful and fulfillingThis self-image strengthens well-being," explains Frank Klingler, Head of Central Prevention Tasks at IKK classic. The situation is similar with stress: The study shows that the Resilience among skilled tradespeople is above average At the same time, a large proportion of tradespeople feel burdened by stress in their daily lives: 46,3 percent are somewhat stressed, 31,3 percent are somewhat or very stressed. Another finding of the study: Many tradespeople surveyed would like health services in the workplace.

Among the top 3 are Back training, exercise programs, stress management and relaxationIn times when technical and social occupational safety and health are at a high level, and working conditions are changing due to digitalization, the focus of traditional occupational safety and health is also shifting. The health factor is increasingly attracting the attention of legislators and accident insurance providers and is also essential for companies. Healthy and productive employees are a crucial economic factor for every companyTherefore, safe and healthy working conditions are fundamental to the success of a company.

Read more about occupational safetyPhoto: © VHWould you like to learn more about occupational safety?
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Quick overview in the preset jungle

However, the legal requirements and the possibilities for effective measures are often difficult and confusing. For small and medium-sized enterprises, the VDSI – Association for Security, Health and Environmental Protection at Work eV, in which over 5000 occupational safety specialists are organized, developed a concept for initial consultation together with IKK classicto explore employers' needs and desires. The BGM Blitz-Check from VDSI and IKK classic helps companies determine their occupational health and safety status in 60 minutes.

To do this, we analyze Health professional at IKK classic and a Occupational safety specialist of the VDSI jointly and purposefully assess the situation within the company. Companies thus have the opportunity to receive a free and highly cost-effective analysis with concrete feedback and a solution outline for how to proceed with corporate health management and well-organized and effective occupational safety – individually tailored to the respective situation in the company.

ContactE-Mail: bgm@ikk-classic.de
Further information on occupational safety can be found on the Website of the Mittelstand Initiative.

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