Safety and Occupational Health
The new Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH) is on its way to the Serbian Parliament. It only needs the formation of this institution after the May elections, and the law will proceed to the adoption process. New measures are being introduced, and construction companies will particularly have to adjust.
According to the previous law, if an irregularity was noticed, part of the construction site would be closed. The new OSH Law gives inspectors the authority to close the entire construction site. Of course, this is a severe penalty that the company Letač will avoid, said the person responsible for safety and protection on the construction sites of the company Letač, Nenad Miodrag. – On the other hand, adjustment will be necessary, with employee training being one of the most important aspects of occupational safety.
The company Letač has always cared for its employees. Every new worker undergoes an educational process before taking up their position.
“Employees at the company Letač first must complete theoretical training and be familiar with all the risks associated with their position, then they take an OSH test. After successfully passing, practical training and testing with a mentor follow, and only when the new employee receives a passing grade can they start working,” explained Miodrag. Of course, when a new standard is introduced, additional training is provided by experts.
Compliance with Regulations is Reflected in the Statistics
The last work-related accident on the construction sites of the company Letač was recorded last year, and before that in 2017. This is an excellent, almost unbelievable figure, considering how many jobs and projects have been completed during this period. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. However, this is not just due to training but a combination of factors that influence safety on construction sites.
Regarding this area, the company Letač has hired a professional agency specializing in OSH. An expert from this field controls safety on the construction sites daily, conducting internal checks to ensure compliance with safety instructions and worker protection. Naturally, it should be mentioned that the construction company also meets all the necessary standards related to OSH.
ISO 45001, previously OHSAS 18001
ISO 45001, formerly OHSAS 18001, in relation to occupational health and safety, is the most important standard, covering, briefly speaking, documentation – forms, as well as worker training methods for general protection and safety, and response in critical situations. Why is this one of the most important standards? Because implementing ISO 45001:2018 actively reduces workplace hazards and risks. The ultimate goal is to improve worker focus, with an emphasis on both physical and mental health, highlighted Miodrag, adding: – The company Letač also holds a standard that regulates environmental protection, not only for workers (ISO 14001:2013).
The New Law will Bring New OSH Measures
The company Letač strives to keep up with all trends in occupational safety and health, to select the best innovations, and implement them as quickly as possible. The new OSH Law has been in procedure for some time, and all serious companies are already prepared for the new measures it will bring.
Modernizing existing standards is definitely a priority, so the latest versions will be implemented in the legal regulations, concluded Nenad Miodrag.