Albania, like many countries, prioritizes the health and safety of workers. Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is not only a legal requirement but also crucial for boosting productivity and maintaining a positive work culture. Employers operating in Albania must understand and comply with the country's health and safety regulations to protect their employees and avoid potential penalties.
Navigating the complexities of Albanian health and safety laws can be challenging for businesses, especially those expanding internationally. This guide provides an overview of the key requirements for 2025, covering the legal framework, standards, inspection processes, accident protocols, and the responsibilities of both employers and employees.
Health and Safety Laws and Regulatory Framework
The primary law governing occupational health and safety in Albania is Law No. 10107, "On Health and Safety at Work." This law establishes the general principles and requirements for ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. Several regulations and bylaws further detail specific aspects of workplace safety, covering various industries and hazards.
Key regulations include:
- Decision No. 408, "On Minimum Requirements for Safety and Health at Work"
- Decision No. 754, "On the Approval of the Regulation on the Safety and Health Signs at Work"
- Decision No. 852, "On the Minimum Requirements for the Safety and Health Protection of Workers from the Risks Arising from Exposure to Noise"
These laws and regulations are enforced by the State Labour Inspectorate, which is responsible for monitoring compliance and investigating workplace accidents. The regulatory framework aims to align with European Union standards, reflecting Albania's commitment to international best practices in occupational health and safety.
Occupational Health and Safety Standards and Practices
Albanian occupational health and safety standards cover a wide range of workplace hazards and risks. Employers are required to implement measures to prevent accidents and protect employees from exposure to hazardous substances, noise, vibration, and other risks.
Specific standards and practices include:
- Risk Assessment: Employers must conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers must provide employees with appropriate PPE and ensure its proper use.
- Ergonomics: Workstations and tasks should be designed to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
- Fire Safety: Employers must implement fire safety measures, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and evacuation plans.
- First Aid: Adequate first aid facilities and trained personnel must be available in the workplace.
Workplace Inspection Processes and Requirements
The State Labour Inspectorate conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety laws. Inspections may be routine or triggered by complaints or workplace accidents.
During an inspection, inspectors may:
- Examine workplace conditions and equipment
- Review safety documentation, including risk assessments and training records
- Interview employees
- Issue orders for corrective action
Employers must cooperate with inspectors and provide access to all relevant information. Failure to comply with inspection orders can result in fines or other penalties.
Workplace Accident Protocols and Reporting
In the event of a workplace accident, employers must take immediate steps to provide first aid and prevent further injuries. All accidents, including near misses, must be investigated to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence.
Serious accidents, resulting in death or serious injury, must be reported to the State Labour Inspectorate within 48 hours. The report should include:
- Details of the accident
- Information about the injured employee
- A description of the measures taken to prevent similar accidents in the future
Failure to report accidents can result in significant penalties.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities for Workplace Safety
Both employers and employees have responsibilities for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
Employer Responsibilities:
- Provide a safe and healthy work environment
- Conduct risk assessments and implement control measures
- Provide employees with appropriate training and information
- Provide PPE
- Investigate accidents and implement corrective actions
- Establish a safety committee (in workplaces with 20 or more employees)
Employee Responsibilities:
- Follow safety rules and procedures
- Use PPE properly
- Report hazards and accidents to the employer
- Participate in safety training
Safety Committees
Workplaces with 20 or more employees are required to establish a safety committee. The committee should include representatives from both management and employees and is responsible for:
- Monitoring workplace safety
- Investigating accidents
- Recommending improvements to safety procedures
- Promoting a safety culture
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are a fundamental requirement of Albanian health and safety law. Employers must conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures. The risk assessment process should include:
- Identifying hazards
- Assessing the risks associated with each hazard
- Implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce the risks
- Reviewing and updating the risk assessment regularly
Training Requirements
Employers must provide employees with adequate training on health and safety matters. Training should cover:
- General safety rules and procedures
- Specific hazards associated with the employee's job
- The proper use of PPE
- Emergency procedures
Training should be provided upon hiring, when employees are assigned new tasks, and periodically to refresh knowledge.
Documentation Obligations
Employers are required to maintain accurate records of their health and safety activities. These records should include:
- Risk assessments
- Training records
- Accident reports
- Inspection reports
- Safety committee meeting minutes
These records must be made available to the State Labour Inspectorate upon request.
