21/10/2024
A Good Practice Exchange Meeting in Germany brings fresh perspectives on safer and healthier workplaces
The Good Practice Exchange Meeting was hosted over two days in Ingelheim (Germany) by Official Campaign Partner, Boehringer Ingelheim, as part of the Healthy Workplaces Campaign (HWC) 2023-25 'Safe and healthy work in the digital age'. The event brought together safety experts from the network of campaign supporters to share innovative approaches to occupational safety and health (OSH), highlighting the themes of digitalisation, mental health, and sustainability.
Participants toured Boehringer Ingelheim's production facilities, gaining insight into the company’s commitment to sustainability and employee-centred culture. Coinciding with World Mental Health Day, Boehringer Ingelheim presented its global "Shed a Light" campaign, designed to combat discrimination and stigma around mental health by fostering an open and supportive workplace.
Attendees exchanged good practices, with contributions from key partners such as European Network Education and Training in Occupational Safety and Health (ENETOSH), European Trade Union Institute, Siemens AG, Ideal Standard International, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, European Network of Safety and Health Professional Organisations, Toyota, Federation of European Ergonomics Societies, and Air Products. The discussions focused on practical strategies to improve OSH across various sectors.
The meeting also explored the intersection of OSH and digitalisation, with campaign partners sharing pioneering practices, including Boehringer Ingelheim’s digital innovations, SAP's virtual global Health Day spanning over 70 countries, European Federation of National Maintenance Societies' telework risk assessments, Partnership for European Research in Occupational Safety and Health’s research initiatives, and Lincoln Electric’s automated welding solutions.
Moderated by EU-OSHA project managers Dietmar Elsler and Annick Starren, the event set the stage for future exchanges, with plans announced for the next Good Practice Exchange in Brussels in May 2025.
The meeting was a resounding success, leaving participants inspired and equipped with practical strategies to implement in their own organisations, ensuring that OSH remains a top priority across Europe.
Discover more about the campaign partners and their initiatives here.