Every year on April 28, the global progressive community observes World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which aims to draw attention to issues related to the protection of human life and health in the workplace. The implementation of measures aimed at improving the safety and health of workers at work is regulated by the Council Directive of the European Communities of June 12, 1989 (89/391/EEC). By ratifying a number of International Labour Organization conventions in the field of occupational safety and health, Ukraine is steadily bringing its national occupational safety and health system into line with European Union standards.
In Ukraine, World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually in accordance with Presidential Decree № 685/2006 of August 18, 2006.
The theme of World Day for Safety and Health at Work in 2026 is “A supportive psychosocial work environment: the path to employee well-being and a strong organization”.
On April 30, 2026, in accordance with Rector’s Order No. 152-OD dated April 21, 2026, the department, in collaboration with the Scientific and Technical Library, organized and held a conference on the topic “A Supportive Psychosocial Work Environment: The Path to Employee Well-being and a Strong Organization.” The event was attended by faculty members from the Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Protection, other departments and units of the university, and students.
The event was organized by Yulia Mykolayivna Glavcheva, Director of the Scientific and Technical Library and Ph.D., and Natalia Yevgeniivna Tverdokhlebova, Ph.D. and Associate Professor.
Ph.D. and Associate Professor of the Department N.E. Tverdokhlebova delivered a lecture titled “The Human Factor in Safety: The Role of the Psychosocial Environment in Employee Development and Organizational Strengthening”.
The lecture addressed current psychological issues arising in work teams, as well as contemporary trends and approaches to managing mental health and safety in the workplace.
The report examined the impact of behavioral, organizational, and psychological factors on injury rates, the role of the organization in ensuring workplace safety, and the importance of a supportive psychosocial work environment for reducing risks.
Particular attention was paid to modern approaches to fostering a culture of safety and practical tools for its development.
During Occupational Safety Week, which ran from April 27, 2026, faculty members held meetings with students to discuss psychosocial risks, their causes, the creation of a healthy psychosocial work environment, and adherence to ethical standards in the field of mental health and psychosocial support during emergencies.
During discussions with students, faculty members familiarized them with the key provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On the Mental Health Care System in Ukraine,” which took effect on January 15, 2025, as well as the international standard ISO 45003:2021 “Occupational health and safety management. Psychological health and safety at work. Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks.” Students actively participated in the discussion, asked questions, and expressed interest in methods for supporting mental health and reducing stress and anxiety.
The staff of our department would like to thank everyone who participated in the event dedicated to World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the administration of the NTU “KhPI” and the director of the Scientific and Technical Library for their support and assistance in organizing and hosting this event.
Department of OandES.