According to the explanatory note, the proposed draft law aims to create an autonomous labor protection system that complies with international standards established by the International Labour Organization.
One of the important aspects of the project is the strengthening of employers' responsibility. Now, company leaders will bear full financial responsibility for harm caused to employees' health, including injuries and occupational diseases. The law also introduces strict requirements for mandatory workplace certification, regular medical examinations, and safety training, which must be financed by employers. In addition, they are required to provide employees working in hazardous conditions with special clothing, personal protective equipment, milk, and therapeutic-prophylactic nutrition free of charge.
Key Changes
Digitalization of briefings. For the first time in legislative practice, the possibility of conducting training and briefings on labor protection in electronic format is proposed. This initiative will simplify processes for IT companies and organizations with remote employees.
Changing conditions for creating a labor protection service. The new draft law establishes that a separate labor protection service must be created only in organizations where the number of employees exceeds 50 (the previous threshold was 30). Small enterprises will be able to outsource specialists or appoint a responsible employee from among their workers.
Protection of the right to refuse dangerous work. The project enshrines the right of employees to refuse to perform dangerous tasks that threaten their health or life. In the absence of protective equipment from the employer, they are obliged to pay for downtime. Dismissal or disciplinary measures for such a refusal will be unacceptable.
Guarantees of payments in case of bankruptcy (capitalization). A significant change concerns the protection of workers injured at work. In the event of liquidation or bankruptcy of the company, it must contribute to the Social Fund the amount of all future payments to the injured "in one package" (capitalization of payments). Without fulfilling this condition, the liquidation process cannot be completed.
On January 22, the draft law was adopted by the parliament in the first reading.
