Occupational health and safety rules entered into force

On September 21, 2021, the Occupational Health and Safety Rules approved by Resolution of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Belarus No. 53 dated July 1, 2021, entered into force. The same Resolution invalidates the Intersectoral General Occupational Health and Safety Rules approved by Resolution of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Belarus No. 70 dated June 3, 2003.

The Occupational Health and Safety Rules have kept continuity with the Intersectoral General Occupational Health and Safety Rules and are aimed at ensuring healthy and safe working conditions for employees in the process of labour activity. The rules, as before, apply to employers, regardless of their organizational and legal forms and forms of ownership, carrying out various types of economic activity.

The Rules adjust the obligations of employers to ensure safe working conditions stipulated by Law of the Republic of Belarus No. 356-З dated June 23, 2008 “On Labour Protection”. For the first time, the Rules provide for the possibility of processing and maintaining labour protection documents in electronic form.

The Rules establish requirements for the organization of work on labour protection; territory, buildings, structures and premises of the organization; sanitary and household services for employees; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; production processes and performance of works of increased danger; organization of workplaces and other requirements.