Deadline for Compliance with the Law on Occupational Safety and Health – May 7, 2025
The new Law on Occupational Safety and Health (“Official Gazette of RS”, No. 35/2023, hereinafter: the “Law”) entered into force on May 7, 2023, introducing a number of obligations that all employers must fulfill by no later than May 7, 2025.
Key employer obligations under the Law include:
- Mandatory employee insurance – Regardless of the business sector, each employer is required to provide insurance coverage, at their own expense, for employees against work-related injuries and occupational diseases. Although questions were raised whether this obligation exists due to the absence of a specific law on insurance against work-related injuries, prevailing legal and regulatory practice has confirmed that this obligation already exists, in accordance with the Law on Insurance (“Official Gazette of RS”, No. 139/2014 and 44/2021). This legal requirement is aligned with EU regulations and International Labour Organization Conventions No. 102 and 121, which Serbia has ratified, thereby committing to harmonize its social protection legislation with the objectives of these conventions.
- Periodic medical examinations – Mandatory upon employee request, in line with workplace risk assessments, and no later than five years from the date of the previous medical check-up.
- Regular training on occupational safety and health – For high-risk job positions, training is required annually; for other positions, at least once every three years.
- Additional training after a serious or fatal work-related injury – Employers must conduct this training within eight days for all employees in the same or similar positions where the incident occurred.
- Licensing and continuous professional development for occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals – The Law introduces stricter control and a higher level of professional responsibility.
- Work permit procedure for high-risk jobs – Employers must establish and implement procedures for issuing permits to employees performing high-risk work (e.g. working at height, depth, or in confined spaces).
- Construction companies – Required to prepare a site organization plan if construction activities will last more than three days, and to notify the labor inspection before starting work.
- Remote and telework – These forms of work are now officially recognized within the occupational safety and health system.
- Expanded powers of labor inspectors – They may impose a temporary work ban of up to 30 days on temporary or mobile construction sites where safety risks are present.
The Law prescribes significant fines for non-compliance, ranging from RSD 300,000 to RSD 2,000,000 for legal entities, and up to RSD 50,000 for entrepreneurs and responsible individuals.
If you require assistance in implementing the required measures and ensuring compliance with the new legal framework, please do not hesitate to contact us.
For additional information or consultations, the Tasić & Partners team is at your disposal.