The theme for 2026, defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), is “Let’s ensure a healthy psychosocial working environment.” For enterprises in the maritime sector, this topic is of particular relevance in the context of prolonged security threats caused by the armed aggression of the russian federation.
To mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually on 28 April, the SE “Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority” held a roundtable dedicated to psychosocial health in the workplace.
The event brought together representatives of the State Labour Service of Ukraine, the Southern Interregional Office of the State Labour Service, the Main Department of the Pension Fund of Ukraine in Odesa Region, the Trade Union of Maritime Transport Workers of Ukraine, as well as heads of USPA branches, occupational safety units, state seaports, and port operators.
During the roundtable, participants discussed psychosocial support for employees, prevention of workplace injuries, specific aspects of insurance payments, and areas of social protection under martial law.
“Today, workplace safety is not only about personal protective equipment and equipment control. It is also about the psychological condition of an employee who performs their duties every day under heightened danger and air raid alerts. We must respond to these challenges systematically: review workloads, develop communication between managers and employees, and identify signs of emotional burnout in a timely manner. Care for mental health is an integral part of workplace safety and the stable operation of the enterprise,” said Maksym Lapai, Deputy Head of the SE “Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority”.
In her presentation, Olena Konovalova, Deputy Director of the Labour Department and Head of the Division for Supervision of Compliance with Labour Legislation at the State Labour Service of Ukraine, spoke about Ukraine’s legislative framework in this area, stressed the importance of developing a system of psychosocial support in the workplace, and highlighted the direct link between an employee’s psychological condition, labour productivity, and a safe working environment at an enterprise.
Following the roundtable, the participants agreed to continue cooperation in developing systems of psychosocial support for employees, preventing workplace risks, and improving approaches to workplace safety management under martial law.
