The EU has a longstanding commitment to support the principles on secure and adaptable employment, work-life balance and well adapted work environment. As highlighted in the Commission Communication on an EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2014-2020, it is necessary to improve the quality of statistical data collection on work-related accidents and diseases, occupational exposures and work-related ill-health. A repetition of the ad hoc module on accidents at work and work-related health problems in 2020, also conducted in 1999, 2007 and 2013, should make it possible to complement data transmitted by Member States on Community statistics on public health and health and safety at work, as regards statistics on accidents at work. Moreover, the repetition of this module should provide information on occupational exposure to risk factors for physical health and mental well-being.

The module is split in three submodules and includes 11 variables.

Submodule 1: Accidents at work

The first submodule has a target population of all persons aged 15 – 74 years old that are currently working or were working during the last 12 months before the reference week of the survey. It aims to provide an understanding of workplace safety and the results to enable decision makers in government, industry, business and other organisations to further reduce risks for workers' health and safety.