These regulations were approved by the government this spring and replace the previous decree issued three years ago. Employers are discussing the additional administrative burden and preparing to comply with the new rules.
The issue of costs and the practical implementation of the new organizational rules took center stage at a meeting of the working group of the Economic Council under the Prime Minister, attended by all stakeholders.
The main changes concern the procedure for organizing medical examinations, which has been updated in accordance with international standards. It aims to align the local occupational safety and health system with the regulations of the European Union and the International Labor Organization.
The approved types of medical examinations include: upon hiring, periodically during employment, upon returning to work after a break, or in other situations requiring a health assessment.
Particular attention is being paid to strengthening oversight of working conditions and employee health in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and the food service/hospitality industry (HoReCa). Employers are legally liable for noncompliance with the new requirements.
The Cost of Compliance
The working group focused on the cost of compliance, an issue of great interest to the business community. The National Confederation of Employers of the Republic of Moldova (CNPM) expressed hope for “a balanced approach to employers’ interests, focusing on practical implementation methods, the impact on employees’ working hours, and, just as importantly, on the costs that the business community will incur.”
An important point for employers: the costs of medical examinations are generally covered by the employer, and in some cases, by mandatory health insurance funds. However, if an individual pays for a medical examination upon hiring and is deemed fit for work, the employer is required to reimburse the full amount no later than one month afterward.
For the CNPM, it is of the utmost importance that the new rules be applied effectively without creating a disproportionate administrative or financial burden on employers. The mechanisms for implementing these rules must not become a new bureaucratic burden.
“According to estimates by the WHO and the ILO, approximately 1.9 million deaths worldwide each year are linked to occupational risks. Therefore, prevention remains a priority for both workers and employers. “The CNPM will continue to represent the interests of the business community during the implementation of these regulations, striving to find the optimal balance between protecting workers’ health and ensuring the economic sustainability of enterprises,” the employers’ confederation stated.
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