Israel has a comprehensive framework of laws and regulations that prioritize worker safety. The Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services (MLSS) is at the forefront of these enforcement efforts.

Foundational Legislation

The Work Safety Ordinance (New Version), 1970 (WSO) is a cornerstone legislation that outlines general employer obligations to ensure worker safety and well-being. It covers a broad range of workplace hazards, including chemical substances, fire safety, electrical hazards, work at height, and noise exposure.

Specific Hazard Regulations

The WSO is supplemented by numerous specific hazard regulations that provide detailed requirements for particular situations. For instance, the Safety at Work Regulations (Occupational Hygiene and Health of the Public and Workers with Harmful Dust), 1984 restricts the use of asbestos and mandates safety protocols for working with harmful dust. The Work at Height Regulations, 2008 aim to minimize falls from height, a significant cause of workplace fatalities.

Employer Responsibilities

Israeli health and safety law places a significant duty on employers to safeguard worker health and safety. Key responsibilities include implementing a comprehensive Safety Management Program (SMP) for workplaces with 50 or more employees. This program outlines risk assessments, hazard control measures, and emergency procedures. Employers are also responsible for providing safety training for workers on potential hazards specific to their roles and maintaining a safe work environment by regularly inspecting equipment and machinery.

Worker Rights

Employees have the right to a safe work environment and can refuse unsafe work. Additionally, Israeli law grants workers access to information regarding workplace hazards and the safety measures undertaken by their employers.

This overview provides a general understanding of health and safety laws in Israel.

Israel has a comprehensive framework of health and safety (H&S) standards and practices. These are overseen by the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services (MLSS).

Key Elements of Occupational Health and Safety in Israel

Foundational Legislation

The Work Safety Ordinance (New Version), 1970 (WSO) is the foundational legislation that outlines employer obligations to establish a safe work environment. It addresses various hazards like chemical substances, fire safety, and noise exposure.

Israeli Standards (SI)

Developed by the Standards Institute of Israel, SIs provide detailed technical guidance on H&S practices. While not mandatory by law, adhering to relevant SIs demonstrates an employer's commitment to best practices. For instance, SI 18001 aligns with the International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) ISO 45001 standard for occupational health and safety management systems.

Safety Management Programs (SMPs)

Mandatory for workplaces with 50 or more employees, SMPs involve a systematic approach to H&S management. As outlined by the Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene (IIOSH), SMPs encompass risk assessments, hazard control measures, and emergency preparedness plans.

The Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene (IIOSH)

IIOSH is a non-profit organization that plays a crucial role in promoting H&S awareness and knowledge sharing. They offer training programs, conduct research, and develop informative resources for employers and workers.

Worker Participation

Israeli law recognizes the importance of worker involvement in H&S matters. Workers have the right to participate in safety committees and raise concerns about workplace hazards.

Continuous Improvement

A focus on ongoing improvement is a hallmark of a strong H&S culture. Many organizations regularly review their H&S practices, investigate incidents, and implement corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.

Workplace inspections in Israel are conducted by the Labour Inspection Department (LID), which falls under the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services (MLSS). The LID's role is to ensure workplace safety, and it does this through a series of procedures, criteria, and follow-up actions.

Inspection Procedures

The LID uses a risk-based approach to conduct inspections, prioritizing workplaces with higher potential hazards or a history of non-compliance. Inspections can also be initiated by worker complaints or following reported accidents. The Labour Inspection (Organisation) Law, 1954 (LILO) gives inspectors the authority to enter workplaces during working hours, examine work processes and equipment, review employer records related to safety practices, and interview employers and workers.

Inspection Criteria

Workplaces are evaluated against criteria outlined in the Work Safety Ordinance (New Version), 1970 (WSO) and associated regulations. These criteria cover various aspects of workplace safety, including general workplace conditions, machine safety, chemical safety, emergency preparedness, and the proper use and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Frequency of Inspections

The frequency of inspections depends on the risk level of the workplace. High-risk workplaces, such as those in construction or manufacturing, are inspected more frequently than low-risk office environments.

Follow-up Actions

After an inspection, the LID may take various actions based on their findings. These can include issuing improvement notices for minor violations, imposing fines for more serious violations, and ordering work stoppage in cases of imminent danger to worker safety. The LID may also share their inspection reports with other relevant authorities if their areas of expertise are implicated.

Worker Participation

During inspections, workers have the right to raise concerns about workplace safety directly with the inspector. This two-way communication is crucial for ensuring a comprehensive assessment of workplace safety.

Workplace accidents can occur despite safety precautions. In Israel, there are established protocols for handling these incidents, ensuring proper reporting, investigation, and potential compensation for injured workers.

Reporting Requirements

The Accidents and Occupational Diseases (Notification) Ordinance (1945) outlines mandatory reporting requirements for workplace accidents. Employers must immediately report any accident to the district safety inspector if it results in more than three days of lost work ability for the injured worker or the death of a worker. Physicians suspecting a patient's illness is work-related must report it in writing to the Administration for Occupational Safety and Health. The Ministry of Labor allows online reporting of workplace accidents, simplifying the process.

Investigation Processes

Following an accident report, the Labour Inspection Department (LID) may initiate an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. The scope of the investigation depends on the severity of the accident. For minor accidents, the LID may conduct a document review or a site visit to gather information. More serious accidents may involve more comprehensive investigations, including witness interviews, equipment examination, and potentially reconstructions of the accident scene. The goal of the investigation is to identify any safety violations or shortcomings that contributed to the accident. These findings can be used to prevent future accidents and determine employer liability. Workers or their representatives may have the right to participate in the investigation process, depending on the specific circumstances.

Compensation Claims

If a worker suffers a work-related injury or illness, they may be entitled to compensation under the National Insurance Law (1953). This compensation can cover medical expenses, loss of income, and disability benefits. Workers can file compensation claims with the National Insurance Institute (NII) which administers the social security system in Israel. Legal assistance may be advisable to navigate the claims process, particularly for complex cases.