Policy requirements and performance indicators for good practice in health, environment and social management in the enterprises

Abstract.

This paper presents the concept and objectives of good practice in health, environment and social management in enterprises (GP HESME). Major criteria for establishing this approach and possible indicators to assess progress at the enterprise and municipal level are also outlined. Employers and employees make a huge number of decisions at work which have an influence on the use of natural resources, the ambient environment, quality of living and working environment, work organization and work cultures. These decisions have an obvious impact on their own health as well as on that of their families, neighbours and customers. Recognizing that, the Third Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health noted in June 1999 in the London Declaration the need for development of a holistic concept of good practice in health, environment and safety management in enterprises. In response to this request the WHO Regional Office for Europe, working jointly with governmental and non-governmental experts, scientists and practitioners, has developed the new concept of workplace health.