The Health and Safety at Work Act (Zakon o varnosti in zdravju pri delu – ZVZD-1) is the foundational law that establishes principles, employer and employee responsibilities, and the rights of workers to a safe and healthy workplace. The Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities has primary oversight over health and safety policy development and legislation.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must conduct thorough risk assessments to identify hazards and implement preventive measures. These assessments must be regularly updated (ZVZD-1). Based on risk assessments, employers are obligated to implement technical, organizational, and personal protective measures to eliminate or control hazards (ZVZD-1). Employers must provide employees with health and safety training relevant to their work, including information on risks, safe practices, and emergency procedures (ZVZD-1). Employers must arrange health surveillance for workers exposed to specific hazards (ZVZD-1). Accurate records of accidents, incidents, near misses, and safety training must be maintained (ZVZD-1).

Employee Rights and Participation

Employees can refuse work they believe poses a serious and imminent risk (ZVZD-1). Workers have the right to elect safety representatives to participate in health and safety decision-making (ZVZD-1). Employers must consult with workers or their representatives on health and safety matters and provide relevant information (ZVZD-1).

Key Areas of Regulation

Regulations cover workplace conditions such as lighting, temperature, noise, ventilation, and ergonomics. Machinery and tools must be safe for use, inspected, and well-maintained. Employers must control risks from hazardous substances, including proper labeling, providing safety data sheets (SDS), and implementing protective measures. Sectors like construction, mining, and healthcare have additional regulations tailored to their particular risks.

Enforcement and Penalties

The Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia (IRSD) is authorized to conduct inspections, investigate health and safety breaches, and issue fines or improvement notices. Serious violations can result in criminal charges in some cases.

Occupational health and safety (OSH) in Slovenia is governed by a comprehensive framework that includes the Health and Safety at Work Act (ZVZD-1), various rules and regulations, and Slovenian Standards (SIST). These standards specify safety requirements and best practices for equipment, processes, and protective measures.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is a fundamental principle of OSH practice in Slovenia. Employers are required to identify, assess, and control workplace hazards. The methodology aligns with EU methodologies, encouraging a systematic approach involving hazard identification, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and prioritizing risk control measures.

Prevention and Control

Slovenian regulations emphasize the hierarchy of controls, which prioritizes eliminating hazards at the source. This is followed by substitution, engineering controls, organizational solutions, and finally, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). There are also industry-specific regulations that address the particular risks associated with various industries, such as machinery safety, chemical handling, and confined spaces.

Occupational Health Services

Regulations mandate occupational health examinations for workers exposed to specific hazards, such as noise, biological agents, or chemicals. The frequency and scope of these examinations are determined by regulations. Slovenia also has a system for the recognition and reporting of occupational diseases, which includes preventive measures, medical surveillance, and compensation mechanisms.

Training and Education

Employers have a legal duty to provide relevant safety training to their workers. This training covers general OSH, task-specific hazards, and emergency procedures. Regular refresher training is also required to ensure workers retain OSH knowledge and skills.

Worker Participation

Workers have the right to elect safety representatives who have the authority to participate in OSH discussions and inspections. Slovenian law also mandates that employers consult workers or their representatives on OSH matters and provide them with relevant safety information.

Workplace inspections are a critical tool used by the Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia (IRSD) to ensure adherence to occupational safety and health (OSH) standards. These inspections aim to verify compliance, proactively identify hazards, assess risks, and respond to formal complaints by employees.

Inspection Authority

The IRSD is the primary body authorized to carry out workplace inspections throughout Slovenia.

Inspection Criteria

Inspections by the IRSD cover a broad range of OSH aspects. Key areas of focus include risk assessments, control measures, work equipment, chemical safety, workplace environment, training and supervision, and occupational health services.

Inspection Frequency

The IRSD determines inspection frequencies based on various factors such as risk profile, accident history, employee complaints, and targeted campaigns.

Inspection Procedures

Inspection procedures typically involve a notice, an opening meeting, a walkthrough inspection, a records review, and a closing meeting.

Follow-up Actions

Follow-up actions may include an inspection report, improvement orders, fines, and in cases of grave violations or repeated offenses, the IRSD can initiate legal proceedings.

Workplace accidents are a serious matter that require immediate attention and reporting. Employers are legally obligated to report these incidents to the relevant authorities, following specific timelines and procedures. Minor accidents should be reported within eight days of the occurrence, while serious accidents and occupational diseases must be reported immediately to the Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia (IRSD). Fatal accidents should be reported immediately to the IRSD, the police, and the competent district labor inspectorate.

Accident Investigations

Employers are required to conduct internal investigations to understand the root causes of the accident and implement measures to prevent similar events from happening. The IRSD also conducts investigations into serious and fatal workplace accidents, focusing on identifying regulatory violations, potential breaches, and initiating legal proceedings if warranted.

Compensation for Workplace Injuries and Occupational Diseases

Slovenia's social insurance system provides compensation for workers who suffer workplace injuries or occupational diseases. This compensation can take several forms:

• Medical Care: Expenses related to medical treatment and rehabilitation for workplace injuries or illnesses are covered.
• Temporary Disability Benefits: Compensation for lost wages due to an inability to work while recovering from an injury or illness.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: Long-term benefits for workers who sustain permanent disabilities due to a workplace accident or occupational disease.
• Survivor Benefits: In cases where a worker dies due to a workplace accident or illness, their dependents may be eligible for survivor benefits.

Claim Procedure

The claim procedure involves several steps:

1. Injury/Illness Report: The worker reports the occupational injury or illness to their employer promptly.
2. Medical Evaluation: The worker undergoes a medical examination by an authorized healthcare provider to assess the extent of their injury or illness and determine its work-relatedness.
3. Claim Submission: The employer submits a claim to the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS) along with supporting documentation.
4. Claim Decision: The ZZZS reviews the claim and determines eligibility and the level of compensation benefits.