Správy

The latest magazine issue 3/2025 of Gesunde Arbeit, EU-OSHA‘s media partner in Austria, puts a sharp focus on workplace violence and harassment, a challenge that affects thousands of employees nationwide. With the recent entry into force of ILO Convention 190 in Austria, violence and harassment are formally recognised as systemic problems requiring proactive prevention measures by employers.

While violence in the workplace is often associated with physical assaults or verbal abuse, the magazine draws attention to the growing reality of digital harassment. From offensive messages via email or social media to inappropriate comments during video conferences, violence through digital tools is becoming increasingly common. These behaviours not only threaten dignity but also blur the boundaries between private and professional life, creating new psychosocial risks for workers.

Healthcare workers remain among the most vulnerable, with six out of ten reporting verbal attacks, but the risks extend to many service professions, from retail to education. The magazine underscores that harassment, whether physical, verbal, or digital, can never be dismissed as an individual problem, as it is a workplace issue that requires structural solutions.

To support organisations in tackling these challenges, EU-OSHA has launched a new OiRA tool on workplace harassment. This free and interactive platform helps businesses assess risks, define unacceptable behaviours, establish safe reporting channels, and design practical action plans with active worker participation. By embedding prevention into daily practice, the tool promotes safer, healthier, and more respectful workplaces.

Access the full magazine in German here.