Preventing and Managing Psychosocial Risks in Education: Highlights from the APRES COVID Training Seminar
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On 18 March 2025, ETUCE and EFEE held a joint training seminar at GO! COOVI Secondary School in Anderlecht, Brussels, as part of the APRES COVID project. This initiative, funded by the EU and aligned with the ESSDE Committee Work Programme 2024-2026 on Occupational Health and Safety, focuses on preventing and managing psychosocial risks in education.
The seminar aimed to raise awareness and provide education social partners with concrete, updated measures to address psychosocial risks, which include workload, role clarity, workplace environment, and interpersonal relations. Presentations explored these factors and their impact on teachers’ mental and physical health, highlighting challenges such as burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Participants also examined the use of the OiRA (Online interactive Risk Assessment) tool for higher education and research to assess and manage psychosocial risks effectively. While the tool was praised for its accessibility, participants noted challenges with language barriers and time constraints.
A video interview filmed during the seminar features participants sharing their experiences and perspectives on addressing psychosocial risks in schools.
Watch the video here:
The seminar emphesized the importance of collaborative action between teachers, school leaders, and social partners to build safer, healthier school environments.