Gesundheit & Sicherheit in Timor-Leste

Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative for businesses operating in Timor-Leste. Understanding and adhering to the country's health and safety regulations is crucial for protecting employees, preventing accidents, and maintaining a productive workforce. This guide provides an overview of the key health and safety requirements in Timor-Leste for 2025, covering the legal framework, standards, inspection processes, accident protocols, and the responsibilities of both employers and employees.

Navigating the complexities of Timor-Leste's health and safety landscape can be challenging, especially for companies expanding into the region. By familiarizing yourself with the information below, you can take proactive steps to create a safer workplace and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Health and Safety Laws and Regulatory Framework

The primary legislation governing occupational health and safety in Timor-Leste is the Labour Code. This code outlines the general duties of employers to provide a safe and healthy working environment. Specific regulations and guidelines are often issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) to address particular hazards and industries.

Key aspects of the regulatory framework include:

• Labour Code: Establishes the fundamental rights and obligations related to workplace safety.
• Ministerial Decrees: Provide detailed rules and standards for specific industries or hazards.
• National Standards: Adopted or adapted from international standards to ensure consistency with global best practices.

Occupational Health and Safety Standards and Practices

Timor-Leste's occupational health and safety standards aim to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses by establishing safe work practices and procedures. These standards cover a wide range of areas, including:

• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Employers are required to identify potential hazards in the workplace and conduct risk assessments to determine the likelihood and severity of potential harm.
• Control Measures: Implementing appropriate control measures to eliminate or minimize risks, such as engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Safe Work Procedures: Developing and implementing safe work procedures for hazardous tasks.
• Emergency Preparedness: Establishing emergency plans and procedures for responding to accidents, fires, and other emergencies.
• Welfare Facilities: Providing adequate welfare facilities for workers, such as restrooms, drinking water, and first aid.

Workplace Inspection Processes and Requirements

The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) is responsible for conducting workplace inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Inspections may be routine or triggered by complaints or accidents.

During an inspection, inspectors may:

• Examine the workplace for hazards.
• Review safety documentation, such as risk assessments and training records.
• Interview employees about their working conditions.
• Issue improvement notices or fines for non-compliance.

| Inspection Criteria | Description ity:

• Hazard Reporting: Establishing procedures for employees to report hazards and unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal.

Workplace Accident Protocols and Reporting

In the event of a workplace accident, employers are required to follow specific protocols for providing first aid, investigating the accident, and reporting it to the relevant authorities.

Key steps in accident management include:

• First Aid and Medical Assistance: Providing immediate first aid to injured employees and arranging for medical assistance if necessary.
• Accident Investigation: Conducting a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
• Reporting to Authorities: Reporting serious accidents to the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) within the prescribed timeframe.

| Reporting Element | Description |

• Timeline: Accidents should be reported as soon as possible, typically within 24-48 hours of the incident.
• Information Required: The report should include details about the accident, such as the date, time, location, nature of the injury, and cause of the accident.

Employer and Employee Responsibilities for Workplace Safety

Both employers and employees have responsibilities for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

Employer Responsibilities:

• Providing a safe and healthy working environment.
• Conducting risk assessments and implementing control measures.
• Providing training and information on workplace hazards.
• Providing appropriate PPE.
• Establishing emergency plans and procedures.
• Investigating accidents and reporting them to the authorities.
• Establishing a safety committee with employee representation.

Employee Responsibilities:

• Following safe work procedures.
• Using PPE properly.
• Reporting hazards and unsafe conditions to the employer.
• Participating in safety training.
• Cooperating with the employer in implementing safety measures.

Safety Committees

Employers are encouraged to establish safety committees with employee representation to promote workplace safety. These committees can play a vital role in:

• Identifying hazards and recommending control measures.
• Developing and reviewing safety policies and procedures.
• Investigating accidents and incidents.
• Promoting safety awareness among employees.

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are a fundamental part of workplace safety management. Employers should conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures. The risk assessment process should involve:

• Identifying hazards.
• Assessing the risks associated with each hazard.
• Implementing control measures to eliminate or minimize the risks.
• Reviewing and updating the risk assessment regularly.

Training Requirements

Providing adequate training is essential for ensuring that employees are aware of workplace hazards and know how to work safely. Training should cover:

• General safety awareness.
• Specific hazards associated with the job.
• Safe work procedures.
• Use of PPE.
• Emergency procedures.

Documentation Obligations

Employers are required to maintain accurate records of safety-related activities, including:

• Risk assessments.
• Training records.
• Accident reports.
• Inspection reports.
• Safety committee meeting minutes.

By adhering to these health and safety requirements, employers can create a safer and healthier workplace for their employees in Timor-Leste, reducing the risk of accidents and illnesses, and promoting a more productive and engaged workforce.