Despite continuous efforts to improve safety at work, accidents at work continue to occur across the European Union.
Between 2010 and 2019, the European Union recorded around 27,041 deaths in the workplace. Current trends suggest that some countries, such as France and Spain, may never reach a goal of zero fatal accidents.
Moreover, accidents that cause 4 days or more of sick leave remain frequent, with countries such as Germany and France reporting 766,192 and 623,654 incidents respectively in 2020!
More surprisingly, the numbers don't show a steady decrease. For example, Ireland saw the number of non-fatal accidents drop from 14,088 in 2016 to 22,125 in 2017, then fall back to 12,073 in 2020. These fluctuations highlight that current workplace safety approaches may not be sufficient or may not be consistently implemented. The context of the jobs concerned and the related industries obviously plays an important role: in 2023 and in view of the investments made by industrial companies, particularly over the past many years in training, prevention, audits, etc., it is nevertheless surprising not to see these figures decrease constantly.
The statistics highlight the need for proactive prevention and a thorough assessment of risk factors, among other measures. Among these factors, the impact of personality on workplace safety is increasingly recognized. Assessment tools such as the Hogan Safety Test can play a significant role in improving workplace safety.
In this context, the importance ofpersonality assessment as a preventive factor is emerging. Tools like the Hogan Safety Test assess six potentially risky behaviors that can lead to workplace accidents. For example, the Safety report could highlight the profile of an employee who is more likely to bypass safety rules, thinking that they know better. Another might not take potential dangers seriously.
This information can help managers identify areas for additional training or review the distribution of tasks to minimize risks. By identifying workers who may be taking unnecessary risks or not following safety protocols, employers can implement targeted and proactive prevention strategies. This includes implementing additional training, conducting regular safety inspections, and even reassigning some tasks as needed.
The Safety report is also increasingly used in selection processes: the best way not to take risks is not to recruit someone who is not aware of putting his colleagues, himself and his company at risk.
It is crucial to understand that risks are not confined to certain positions or levels of hierarchy. Individuals at all levels of the organization can contribute to a safer or more risky work environment, depending on their behaviors. A comprehensive personality assessment could be undertaken at all levels of the organization, especially when faced with significant security challenges. This holistic approach can help create a stronger and more consistent safety culture across the organization.
Faced with these challenges, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has launched a call for action. Their manifesto calls for increased occupational health and safety training, more regular inspections, and appropriate sanctions for non-conformities. The focus is on the need to act rather than discuss — a call that should resonate across organizations.
Workplace accidents remain a major concern across Europe, requiring proactive action to reverse current trends. Personality assessment tools, such as the Hogan Safety Test, offer a valuable way to anticipate risks and improve workplace safety. Combined with more in-depth training, regular inspections and even appropriate incentives, they can contribute to making EU workplaces safer environments for all.
