The draft law was prepared by the government, and its representative will be the Ministry of Labor. The new version of the document was developed as a result of the exclusion of 29 articles related to labor protection from the Labor Code and aims to align legislation with international standards.
The list of clarified concepts related to labor protection includes safe working conditions, harmful and dangerous production factors, professional risks, as well as workplace certification. The law applies to a wide range of individuals: employees, employers, cooperative members, students, interns, military personnel, prisoners, and employees of foreign companies.
The draft law emphasizes the priorities of state policy, such as the protection of workers' lives and health, monitoring and oversight of compliance with standards, investigation of accidents, as well as compensation for harmful working conditions and training of specialists. Workers are guaranteed a safe workplace, the right to information about working conditions, personal protective equipment, the ability to refuse dangerous work, and to undergo an unscheduled medical examination while retaining their salary.
Employers are required to create safe working conditions, provide special clothing and protective equipment, organize briefings and training, as well as conduct medical examinations and workplace certification. If technically feasible, training may be conducted in an online format. For employees working in harmful conditions, free milk and therapeutic-preventive nutrition are provided.
Control over the implementation of this law will be carried out by authorized state bodies, which can conduct inspections, issue directives, and suspend activities in case of threats to the life and health of workers. Trade unions and authorized representatives of organizations will also have the opportunity to participate in public oversight. Employers are responsible for harm caused to workers at the workplace, including occupational diseases and injuries.
The adoption of the new law will lead to the repeal of the existing law "On Labor Protection," which has been in effect since 2003, and all subsequent amendments. The new law will come into force 10 days after publication, and the Cabinet of Ministers will have six months to adapt its regulations to the new version. According to information, the law is aimed at preventing accidents and occupational diseases, will not require additional budgetary funds, and will not cause negative social or economic consequences.
