How did Austia’s workplaces respond to the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Austrian Social Insurance for Occupational Risks (AUVA) presents its national report as part of the PEROSH collaborative project: “Lessons Learned: How Different European Countries Addressed Occupational Health and Safety Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
This report highlights how the COVID‑19 pandemic reshaped occupational safety and health in Austria and identifies essential lessons for future crises. It underscores the need for transparent, evidence‑based political consulting supported by multidisciplinary expert committees. Clear and timely communication emerged as a critical factor, with the pandemic revealing major gaps in both public messaging and workplace guidance.
The findings also draw attention to persistent gender inequalities, the challenges and opportunities of remote work, and the importance of genuine appreciation for essential workers. High workloads—especially in healthcare—demonstrated the urgent need for better staffing, improved working conditions, and stronger resilience‑building measures.
Overall, the report offers concrete recommendations to strengthen preparedness, promote equality, enhance communication, and support employee well‑being in times of crisis.
📘Read the full report:
Lessons learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic corcerning Occupational Safety and Health
