Employer proposals led to the simplification of occupational safety rules and a reduction in bureaucracy

The government approved amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which reduce the administrative burden on businesses and make the occupational safety system and supervision clearer. Several of the changes are based on employers’ earlier feedback and proposals to reduce bureaucracy.

The amendments eliminate overlapping obligations and reduce reporting requirements, while maintaining the protection of employees.

Less bureaucracy, more focus on substance

The legislative amendments bring several practical simplifications:

• Companies with fewer than 10 employees are no longer required to submit a workplace risk assessment to the Labour Inspectorate’s self-service system (TEIS) or conduct an occupational health situation analysis.
• The law no longer applies in full to one-person businesses.
• The obligation to notify the Labour Inspectorate of the appointment of a work environment specialist and representative is removed.
• A work environment representative will henceforth be elected only if at least 10% of employees request it.
• First aid arrangements will become more flexible, allowing for shared solutions between multiple companies.

These changes primarily reduce the administrative burden for small businesses and give employers more flexibility in organizing workplace safety.

The amendment also grants employers a clear right to check an employee’s sobriety to ensure workplace safety, if there is justified suspicion or if the nature of the work involves elevated risk.

The Labour Inspectorate shifts focus to real issues

As a result of the amendments, supervision will also change. Instead of focusing on reporting, the Labour Inspectorate will place greater emphasis on actual workplace risks and rely more on data.

The Inspectorate will gain access to data from the Employment Register (TÖR) and subcontracting chains, which will help more effectively identify undeclared work and violations.

A Step in the Right Direction

The simplification of occupational safety rules is part of the government’s broader goal to stimulate the economy and reduce bureaucracy.

For employers, this is an important step that helps reduce unnecessary administrative burden and shift focus to where it truly matters—creating a safe and well-functioning working environment.