The institution’s prevention experts continuously provide information on prevention to member enterprises through various information channels.

The institution guarantees the transfer of prevention information to the operational level of enterprises by using selected media and effective communication and taking into account the different demands of target groups when generating material for their workplaces.

The institution’s prevention experts are in direct exchange with employers and safety representatives to enable the transfer of prevention knowledge and facilitate the implementation of prevention measures at the operational level.

Information and communication constitutes an inherent part of all prevention services. Information is the basic element which underpins all prevention services. It involves the systematic collection, processing, description, presentation and transfer of knowledge (e.g. through the education and training of staff dealing with prevention) and making effective use of all available communication channels. The dissemination of information to target groups as well as the general public is vital. In this process, knowledge in prevention is the key.

The institution encourages enterprises to participate in prevention programmes by offering non-financial incentives.

The institution encourages enterprises to participate in prevention programmes by offering financial incentives.

Examples of financial incentives include “bonus-malus systems” or reward schemes that are applied in addition to risk-related contributions.

The institution applies a risk-based approach by linking each employer’s insurance contribution to the probability of incidents (occupational accidents and occupational diseases) in their workplace.

The probability calculation takes into account the frequency, severity and cost of insurance cases within the sector of economic activity in which the employer operates.

Economic incentives in occupational safety and health refer to ways of rewarding enterprises for high levels of safety and health at work. While the government can reward an enterprise for improving its occupational safety and health performance by lowering its tax rates, social security institutions can use various means, including economic incentives, to reflect the safety and health performance of the enterprises they cover.

This part of the Guidelines describes prevention programmes which can be conducted by social security institutions, provided that the legal and institutional frameworks are in place.

The institution identifies the target groups to whom the prevention services are offered and their specific needs in prevention.

This enables the institution to produce well-focused prevention products for its target groups.