Health and safety at work: the employer’s basic obligations

Occupational health and safety (BOZP – bezpečnosť a ochrana zdravia pri práci) is an area that no employer can get around. Even a small company with a single employee has legal obligations, and neglecting them can lead to fines and, in the event of an accident, to serious consequences. Yet many entrepreneurs underestimate health and safety until something happens, and only after an accident or an inspection do they find out everything they should have had in place. A systematic approach is therefore wiser than fighting fires after the event. In this article we summarise the basic obligations you need to keep in mind.

Why health and safety matters

The aim of health and safety at work is to prevent workplace accidents, occupational diseases and risks to employees’ health. The employer is responsible for a safe working environment regardless of the size of the company. Well-organised health and safety also reduces absenteeism, protects property and builds employees’ trust.

The employer’s basic obligations

The law imposes a number of specific obligations on the employer. Their scope varies with the nature of the work and the level of risk at individual workplaces.

• assess the risks and take measures to reduce them
• provide instruction and training for employees
• provide personal protective equipment
• provide an occupational health service according to the level of risk

Training and instruction

Every employee must be instructed in the safety rules of their workplace before starting work and regularly thereafter. Training must be documented and a record of it kept. The scope and frequency of training depend on the type of work and the level of risk.

Workplace accidents and keeping records of them

The employer must keep records of workplace accidents and report more serious accidents to the competent authorities. After an accident, it is important to establish its cause and take measures to prevent it from happening again. Proper documentation is also crucial for any compensation.

• keep an accident book and accident records
• report serious accidents within the set time limit
• take measures to prevent a recurrence

Inspections and penalties

Compliance with health and safety rules is checked by the Labour Inspectorate (inšpektorát práce), which can impose fines for breaches. The amount of the penalties depends on the seriousness of the failing. As the specific obligations and time limits may change, check the current conditions or consult an occupational safety expert.

Occupational health service and documentation

Health and safety also includes providing health surveillance of employees through an occupational health service. Its scope depends on how the work is classified into risk categories. The employer should have basic documentation in place, including the risk assessment, a list of the protective equipment provided, rules for the individual workplaces and training records. This documentation is not a mere formality: during an inspection it serves as proof that the company is meeting its obligations. When technologies, premises or working procedures change, the documentation must be updated so that it still reflects the actual situation at the workplace.

How to keep health and safety in order

Health and safety is not a one-off matter but an ongoing process. We recommend having a clearly designated responsible person, up-to-date documentation and a training plan. If you want to concentrate on your business, we will be happy to help you coordinate your payroll and HR administration so that it fits into your overall occupational safety system, so that you have your documentation ready before any inspection, and so that your employees are genuinely protected and the company avoids unnecessary penalties.

Related articles: GDPR when processing employee data, Seasonal work: rules and contributions, State contribution for training new employees.

Frequently asked questions

Does health and safety also apply to small companies with one employee?

Yes, every employer has health and safety obligations regardless of the number of employees. The scope of the measures varies with the level of risk, but basic obligations such as risk assessment and training always apply. Check the current requirements.

Who checks compliance with health and safety rules?

Compliance with occupational health and safety rules is checked mainly by the Labour Inspectorate, which can impose fines for breaches. Their amount depends on the seriousness of the failing. It therefore pays to keep your documentation and training in order on an ongoing basis.