proiect ue - forta de munca
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8/13/2019 Proiect UE - Forta de munca
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A nationwide initiative is putting the spotlight on stress management andhealth and safety within the agricultural sector in Belgium. Some 3,200people have participated in awareness-raising and training activities,giving vital support to farmers whose livelihoods are under ever increa-sing strain.
It is estimated that around 25% of farmers throughout the EU face financial insecu-rity. Technological change, economic pressure and successive food crises mean that
farming is one of the professions most vulnerable to occupational stress. Agriculturalworkers also have one of the highest rates of accidents at work, exceeded only byworkers in commercial fishing, construction and health and social care.
Research backs up targeted actionThe Belgian federal government has responded by supporting Preventagri, anationwide project that aims to prevent stress-related illness and accidents in thework place through a combination of research, training, direct intervention and awa-reness raising. Launched in June 2001, the project builds on the experience of over10 years of research into the causes and the prevention of occupational stress.
With Preventagri we have strengthened the links between research and action. It meansour activities are more effective and our research is based on better data, says MurielBossut, project coordinator within the University of Lige psychology department.
Prevention better than cureAlmost 1,000 people responded to a survey to assess stress levels in the agriculturalsector and its main causes. A series of training events have also been organised,particularly targeting young farmers and students in agriculture.
Its important to intervene early, so that farmers are better equipped to anticipateand handle stress, says Ms. Bossut. In this way we can avoid people leaving theprofession or ending up in crisis situations.
In addition to research and training, the project also supports direct intervention. Afree helpline Agricall is permanently available in French and Dutch, which up tonow has received some 500 calls. Trained psychologists are on hand for home visits a service so far taken up by 350 farmers.
The project has received a positive reaction from the farming community, unions andlocal grassroots organisations. A few years ago, few people talked of stress andcertainly not in the agricultural community, says Ms. Bossut. Weve helped to putit on the agenda, and farmers feel more supported as a result.
A second phase of the project was launched in 2003 and will last until 2006. It hasbecome an important reference point for work on health and safety and stress risks,and several related sectors have requested similar initiatives, for example food pro-ducers and farm vets.
Reaching out to the farmingcommunity in Belgium
E u r o p e a n S o c i a l F u n d i n a c t i o n 2 0 0 0 - 2 0 0 6
Project namePreventagri
Project duration2001-2003
ESF priority area
Creating an adaptablework force
CountryBelgium
ESF funding592.127
Total funding1.266.043,24
ESF funding type
Objective 3Target groupEmployed at risk
Name of coordinatingorganisationUniversit de Lige
Contact nameMuriel Bossut
Address
Bd du Rectorat 5 Bat B32,4000 Lige
Telephone+32 (0)4 3664664
Websitewww.preventagri.be
ventagri is promoted nationwide via agricultural fairsother events
Written in July 2004 project reference : D9-BE4