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From Old to New: A Summary of Changes in Occupational Safety and Health Law
Todorović, Marija
Perović, Marija
Ensuring the safety and health of employees is critical to mitigating risks and safeguarding their well-being, which ultimately enhances productivity, reduces the number of workplace injuries, and contributes to a more positive and efficient work environment. The new Occupational Safety and Health Law ("Official Gazette of RS", No. 35/2023) introduces several changes related to the implementation of safety and health work duties, particularly regarding individuals responsible for occupational health and safety (OHS) at employers. To perform OHS tasks, individuals must obtain the required licenses, and applications for licensing as an OHS associate or advisor must be submitted to the relevant authorities to confirm that licensing conditions are met. The requirement for license renewal emphasizes that OHS professionals must engage in continuous education and skill development to maintain their licenses, with ongoing professional development being a fundamental condition for renewal. The requirement for a work authorisation before engaging in hazardous tasks, such as working at heights, in confined spaces, in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres, on energy facilities, or handling hazardous chemicals, significantly enhances workplace safety by ensuring that necessary precautions and procedures are in place to protect workers from potential risks. The importance of OHS training becomes evident, as employers are required to provide such training for employees, employee representatives for OHS, supervisors. The Law mandates the creation of a Work Injury Register, which will be an electronic database for reporting work-related injuries. It aims to simplify reporting, facilitate data exchange among authorities, and help injured workers claim rights. The aim of conducted research is to examine the significant changes introduced by the new Law on Occupational Safety and Health (2023) compared to the previous legislation. The research focuses on the improvements and regulations regarding the implementation of OHS measures in the workplace, emphasizing the role of employers and employees in maintaining a safe working environment. The study highlights the importance of these changes in improving worker protection and the overall effectiveness of OHS practices.
engleski
2025
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Occupational safety and health, Legal Obligations