Legal Framework of Occupational Safety and Health Policy in Three South Eastern Countries

Abstract

The legal framework for occupational safety and health is a key factor in effective policy implementation in this area at the local level. Employees in local self-government units perform tasks of immediate interest for the local population and, because of that, their workplace safety and health is an important issue. Given that there is not much research on the safety and health of employees in local self-government units in the countries of Southeast Europe, there is a need for the analysis of the protection provided by the applicable regulations. The conducted research shows that this category of employees is not specifically recognized either in the regulations on occupational safety and health or in the regulations on local self-government. It is desirable to improve the quality of legal protection which will contribute to the improvement of the workplace safety and health of these employees and will improve the quality of work in local self-governments.

Legal Regulations in the Field of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Management

“…The Law on Chemicals [9] regulates the integrated management of chemicals, classification, packaging, and labeling of chemicals, the integral register of chemicals and the register of chemicals placed on the market, restrictions and prohibitions on the production, placing on the market and use of chemicals, import, and export of certain dangerous chemicals, permits for trade activities and use of particularly dangerous chemicals, placing detergents on the market, systematic monitoring of chemicals, data availability, supervision and other issues of importance for the management of chemicals [10].…”

“…The Law on Waste Management [11] regulates the types and classification of waste, waste management planning, waste management entities, responsibilities and obligations in waste management, organization of waste management, management of special waste streams, conditions and procedures for issuing permits, cross-border movement of waste, reporting on waste and databases, financing of waste management, supervision, as well as other issues of importance for waste management. Waste containing PCBs is collected separately [10].…”

Social and Legal Protection of Employees Against Workplace Injuries and Occupational Diseases in the Legal System of Serbia

“…This insurance covers the old-age risk, disability, physical impairment, carers allowance and death. On that basis, the following rights are exercised: the right to old-age pension -in case of old age, the right to disability pension -in case of disability, the right to financial compensation for physical impairment and the calculation of the length of service with increased duration -in case of physical impairment, the right to financial compensation for assistance and carer's allowance in case of such a need, and the right to the reimbursement of funeral expenses -in case of death of a family member [1].…”

“…The purpose of social security is to protect people who, through no fault of their own, are unable to support themselves and their dependents through their job or property. It represents the legal expression of social policy and social relations that are concerned with organized social, financial, health and psychological protection of insured persons from certain social risks, according to the principle of financial contribution, reciprocity and solidarity [1].…”

“…There are several basic features of social security [1]. First of all, it is the most important legal instrument of social policy which is used to implement organized social, financial and health protection of people.…”