The draft law was prepared by the government, and the Ministry of Labor was appointed as the rapporteur. The new version of the document was developed in connection with the exclusion of 29 articles from the current Labor Code that pertained to labor protection, and it now complies with international standards.
The updated law clarifies key terms in the field of labor protection, such as safe conditions, harmful and hazardous production factors, professional risk, workplace certification, and general aspects of labor protection. Its provisions apply not only to employees and employers but also to students, interns, military personnel, cooperative members, prisoners, and employees of foreign companies.
The document establishes the main directions of state policy, including concern for the life and health of workers, control over compliance with standards, investigation of accidents, compensation for unfavorable conditions, training of specialists, and statistical reporting. Workers will receive guarantees for safe working conditions, the right to information about working conditions, personal protective equipment, the ability to refuse unsafe work, and the opportunity to undergo an unscheduled medical examination while retaining their salary.
Employers, according to the new law, will be required to create safe conditions, provide workers with special clothing and protective equipment, conduct briefings, organize medical examinations and workplace certification, as well as investigate accidents and ensure sanitary and hygienic working conditions. If technically feasible, training and knowledge verification may be conducted in an online format. For workers in unfavorable conditions, free milk and therapeutic-preventive nutrition are provided.
Control over the implementation of the law will be carried out by authorized state bodies, which have the right to conduct inspections, issue orders, and suspend operations in case of threats to the life and health of workers. Trade unions and authorized representatives of organizations will be able to participate in public oversight. Employers are responsible for damage caused to workers in the workplace, including occupational diseases and injuries.
The adoption of this draft law will lead to the repeal of the current law "On Labor Protection" from 2003 and all its amendments. The new law will come into force 10 days after its publication, and the Cabinet of Ministers will have six months to adapt its regulations to the new requirements. According to the information provided, the law aims to prevent accidents and occupational diseases, will not require additional budgetary funds, and will not create negative social or economic consequences.
