The project aimed to improve health and safety conditions in Romanian prisons as part of the decent work agenda. The project focused on addressing health and safety issues in prisons and enhancing social dialogue. A comprehensive desk research report on health and safety was revised, translated, printed, and disseminated within the prison service. The report covered various sections, including a literature review, a European overview on prison health and safety, working conditions in prisons, the functioning of health and safety committees, health and safety training, and conclusions and recommendations. Focus groups were organised, involving 98 participants, both face-to-face and online, to discuss key issues.

Study visits were conducted in Romania for the Norwegian partner and in Norway for the Romanian partners. A total of 9 participants from Norway visited Romania, and 34 Romanian participants visited Norway. During these visits, participants visited prisons, met with health and safety officials, trade union representatives, and management, and learned about various projects and initiatives.

An awareness workshop was held to educate new recruits about social dialogue and health and safety issues. The workshop included presentations from Norwegian, European, and Romanian perspectives. Additionally, eight online workshops were conducted with participants from all prison units and headquarters. These workshops were based on research findings and focus group discussions. 

The training program developed during the project has been integrated into the Romanian prison service curriculum as part of the e-learning offer. This integration ensures that the knowledge and practices gained from the project will continue to benefit prison workers in the future.

Project promoter has changed its name from Sindicatul Național al Lucrătorilor de Penitenciare (SNLP) to Sindicatul Național al Polițiștilor de Penitenciare (SNPP).

Summary of bilateral results

The bilateral cooperation was a strong component of the project. The Romanian participants highlighted the important learnings during the study trip to Norway and to visit prison services and understand social dialogue in the prison context. This was the first opportunity for many Romanian prison trade union leaders to exchange ideas and opinions with their Norwegian peers on subjects like working condition and health and safety.

Project details

Project info
Period
2014-2021
Approval date
Grant financing
276000.00€
Final project cost
283028.00€