A COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is not a phenomenon of the modern era but rather a field with deep historical roots and continuous development through several distinct phases. According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), the social cost of work-related injuries and diseases amounts to 3.9% of global GDP and 3.3% of EU GDP, while the loss of GDP in the European Union is the lowest among all regions, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In these challenging times, when the world of work is undergoing rapid technological and organizational transformations, the evaluation of OHS performance is becoming increasingly significant. Systematic monitoring of various performance indicators at different organizational levels enables the assessment of both proactive and reactive aspects of occupational safety and health. This paper reviews recent scientific literature and relevant international standards, particularly ISO 45004:2024, which provides guidelines for the evaluation of OHS performance. The analysis emphasizes the importance of combining quantitative and qualitative indicators, applying both leading and lagging measures, and fostering a positive safety culture as a foundation for continuous improvement. The paper presents current perspectives on how to achieve effective evaluation of OHS performance through the integration of standardized methods, management commitment, and a mature organizational safety culture - key factors in enhancing both worker protection and organizational resilience.