The most recent amendments to the Law on Occupational Safety and Health, adopted on April 28, 2023, represent a significant step forward in strengthening the protection of workers’ rights in Serbia. This law, which all employers are required to fully implement by May 7, 2025, introduces a series of novelties that both employers and employees should be familiar with to ensure legal compliance and improve workplace safety.
The latest amendments introduce key changes in the following areas:
Increased powers of labor inspectors
Labor inspectors now have expanded authority regarding the determination and control of safety and health conditions at construction sites (both temporary and mobile). For example, if a labor inspector determines that there are circumstances that endanger or may endanger the health and safety of employees at a construction site, they are obliged to prohibit work at such sites until these “dangerous” conditions are resolved. The work ban is issued to the investor and must be clearly displayed at the construction site. The maximum duration of the ban depends on how long the endangering conditions persist, while the minimum duration depends on how many times such conditions have been identified. If observed for the first time, the minimum ban is 3 days; if observed a second time, at least 15 days; and if observed a third time, at least 30 days.
Introduction of periodic and additional training for employees and employee representatives
Periodic training – Employers are, of course, obligated to conduct initial training for employees upon employment, transfer to another position, changes in work processes, or introduction of new technology or equipment. However, with the latest amendments, employers are now also required to conduct periodic training. For employees working in high-risk positions, this must occur no later than one year after the previous training; for others, no later than three years. Employee representatives must also undergo periodic training at least every three years.
Additional training – When a work process requires additional training for safe and healthy work, the employer must inform the employee on how to perform tasks safely through written notifications, instructions, or guidelines. In exceptional cases involving imminent serious danger to life or health, oral instructions may be given. In cases of serious, fatal, or collective work-related injuries, the employer must conduct additional training within 8 days at the unit where the incident occurred and inform all employees.
Mandatory licensing for performing occupational safety and health tasks
All individuals performing occupational safety and health duties must now be licensed. The license must be renewed every five years, ensuring continuous education and professional development.
Stricter fines for employers
The latest amendments impose stricter fines on employers who fail to take all necessary measures to ensure a safe and healthy working environment. Fines for companies range from RSD 1,000,000 to 1,500,000. Responsible individuals within companies may be fined from RSD 30,000 to 150,000. Entrepreneurs may face fines up to RSD 400,000.
Mandatory insurance for employees and regular medical check-ups
The amendments require employers to insure employees against workplace injuries and occupational diseases, to ensure compensation for damages. Employers are also obligated, upon an employee’s request, to refer them for medical exams relevant to the risks of their workplace at regular intervals, and at least once every 5 years.
Occupational safety and health in the case of remote or home-based work
Employers may adopt a written Risk Assessment Act for work from home and remote work, with employee participation. When employees work remotely or from home, employers must ensure healthy and safe working conditions in collaboration with the employee. This includes determining the conditions for safe work, the tools provided by the employer, defining the work process, and prescribing preventive measures for safety and health.
Introduction of an electronic Registry of Workplace Injuries
The latest amendments introduce an electronic Registry of Workplace Injuries, maintained by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This registry enables more efficient tracking and analysis of workplace injuries.