Health & Safety in North Macedonia

Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is a fundamental requirement for businesses operating in North Macedonia. Compliance with national health and safety regulations is not just a legal obligation but also crucial for protecting employees, minimizing risks, and fostering a productive work environment. Employers must navigate a specific legal framework designed to prevent occupational hazards and promote well-being across all sectors.

The regulatory landscape in North Macedonia is primarily governed by legislation that aligns with international standards, particularly those influenced by European Union directives. Understanding these requirements is essential for companies to operate compliantly and effectively manage workplace safety.

Health and Safety Laws and Regulatory Framework

The core of occupational health and safety (OHS) in North Macedonia is established by the Law on Occupational Safety and Health. This comprehensive law sets out the general principles, obligations of employers and employees, requirements for risk assessment, workplace organization, and supervision. It is supplemented by numerous bylaws, regulations, and technical standards that provide detailed requirements for specific industries, types of work, equipment, and hazards.

Key aspects covered by the framework include:

• General duties of employers to ensure a safe working environment.
• Requirements for identifying and assessing risks.
• Provisions for preventing and mitigating risks.
• Rules regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Requirements for employee training and information.
• Procedures for health surveillance.
• Rules for reporting occupational injuries and diseases.

Occupational Health and Safety Standards and Practices

Compliance with OHS standards involves implementing practical measures based on the legal framework. A cornerstone of this is the risk assessment process. Employers are required to systematically identify potential hazards in the workplace, evaluate the risks they pose, and determine appropriate control measures. This assessment must be documented and regularly reviewed, especially after any significant changes in the workplace or work processes.

Establishing a safety committee is mandatory for employers with a certain number of employees (typically above 50, though specific thresholds may apply based on risk level). This committee, comprising representatives from both management and employees, plays a vital role in consulting on OHS matters, reviewing risk assessments, investigating incidents, and promoting safety culture.

Other key practices include:

• Developing and implementing safety procedures for specific tasks and equipment.
• Ensuring workplaces meet minimum standards for lighting, ventilation, temperature, and hygiene.
• Providing adequate welfare facilities.
• Implementing measures for fire prevention and emergency response.
• Managing hazardous substances safely.

Workplace Inspection Processes and Requirements

Workplace safety in North Macedonia is overseen by state inspectorates, primarily the State Labour Inspectorate. Inspectors are authorized to enter workplaces, examine documents, interview employees, and take samples or measurements to verify compliance with OHS laws and regulations.

During an inspection, employers must:

• Provide access to all parts of the workplace.
• Present required documentation (risk assessments, training records, accident reports, etc.).
• Cooperate fully with the inspector.

If non-compliance is found, inspectors can issue warnings, orders for corrective actions, or fines. Serious violations can lead to temporary suspension of operations or other legal consequences. Employers are required to implement the corrective measures ordered by the inspector within specified deadlines.

Workplace Accident Protocols and Reporting

In the event of a workplace accident or the diagnosis of an occupational disease, specific protocols must be followed. The primary steps involve:

1. Providing immediate first aid and ensuring the safety of others.
2. Investigating the cause of the accident or disease.
3. Implementing measures to prevent recurrence.
4. Reporting the incident to the relevant authorities.

Reporting is a critical legal obligation. Employers must report serious injuries, fatalities, and collective accidents immediately to the State Labour Inspectorate and other relevant bodies (e.g., health insurance fund). Occupational diseases must also be reported upon diagnosis. The reporting process typically involves submitting a detailed report form outlining the circumstances of the incident, the nature of the injury or illness, and the steps taken.

Employer and Employee Responsibilities for Workplace Safety

Both employers and employees have distinct but interconnected responsibilities for ensuring a safe working environment.

Employer Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement control measures.
• Provide necessary information, instruction, and training to employees on OHS risks and preventive measures.
• Provide and ensure the correct use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Organize health surveillance for employees where required.
• Consult with employees or their representatives on OHS matters.
• Investigate accidents and occupational diseases and take corrective action.
• Maintain required documentation, including risk assessments, training records, accident reports, and health surveillance records.

Employee Responsibilities:

• Comply with OHS rules, procedures, and instructions.
• Use machinery, equipment, and substances correctly.
• Use provided PPE correctly.
• Report any work situation they reasonably believe presents a serious and immediate danger.
• Report any accident, injury, or health problem arising from or occurring during work.
• Cooperate with the employer and safety committee on OHS matters.

Effective OHS management in North Macedonia requires a proactive approach from employers, ensuring compliance with the legal framework, implementing practical safety measures, and fostering a culture of safety awareness among all employees.