Labor protection rules are being changed in Ukraine: the Verkhovna Rada adopted a new law

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported the bill No. 10147 “On the safety and health of workers at work”, which provides for a large-scale reform of the labor protection system. The new rules should bring Ukrainian legislation closer to European standards and strengthen the responsibility of employers for the safety of personnel.

The document provides for comprehensive changes in the field of labor relations, in particular, updating the requirements for workplace safety, the procedure for investigating accidents and state control over working conditions.

What will change for employees and employers

One of the key innovations will be the replacement of the traditional concept of “occupational safety” with a broader one — “safety and health of workers”. Such an approach involves not only preventing industrial injuries, but also creating conditions for preserving the health of workers.

The bill provides for a number of important changes:

Personal responsibility of managers. Heads of enterprises will be directly responsible for ensuring proper and safe working conditions.

New definitions of industrial risks. The concepts of accident and occupational disease are being clarified, in particular, taking into account cases of poisoning.
Amendments to the Labor Code. It is planned to remove Chapter XI of the Labor Code and Articles 190–192. The provisions on the safety of minors will be regulated by a new law.
A new procedure for obtaining permits. Documents for performing high-risk work will be issued in accordance with the updated legislation.
Reform of the insurance control system. It is planned to create a modernized service of insurance experts on the safety and health of workers.
Strengthening state control

Some changes will concern the system of state supervision of labor safety.

In particular, it is planned to reorganize the central executive body, which will be responsible for the relevant area. Its powers will include control over mining operations, the use of explosive materials, and the operation of high-risk facilities.

The reform should ensure the renewal of state supervision mechanisms and strengthening of control over compliance with safety requirements at enterprises.

When will the new rules come into effect

Despite the adoption of the draft law, the new rules will not come into effect immediately.

According to the provisions, the law will come into force six months after the termination or abolition of martial law in Ukraine.

Thus, employers will have a transition period to adapt internal documents, procedures and occupational safety management systems to the new legislative requirements.

You can read the document on the official website of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.