WIN-WIN situation for employers and employees

In many countries, including Austria, the protection of employees is the focus of numerous legal provisions. Occupational safety is not a “nice-to-have”, but a central obligation of every company – regardless of industry or company size. But what specific obligations does an employer have with regard to health and safety in the workplace?

Advantages of greater occupational safety

Employee protection is not an onerous duty, but brings many benefits to all involved, whether in a personal, factual or economic context – everyone benefits.

In order for real benefits to arise from this, it is important that everyone can and wants to make their contribution.

For employers:

More efficient processes & fewer disruptions – Structured safety measures make work processes easier to plan and less interrupted by disruptions

Fewer days lost & higher productivity – fewer accidents at work = fewer sick days, healthy employees are more productive and reliable

Legal certainty & risk minimization – compliance with occupational health and safety regulations reduces the risk of penalties, lawsuits or claims for damages

Better image & employer brand – companies with a good security concept are seen as responsible and attractive for skilled workers

Higher employee motivation and loyalty – safety in the workplace increases trust and satisfaction, employees feel valued and remain loyal to the company for longer

For employees

• Health protection & accident prevention – less exposure to noise, hazardous substances or physical exertion; protection against accidents and occupational illnesses
  
• Security gives confidence – those who feel secure work in a more relaxed and concentrated manner, more clarity thanks to clear rules and secure processes
  
• Participation & right to have a say – employees are involved in safety issues (e.g. via safety representatives), which strengthens personal responsibility and a sense of togetherness
  
• Personal development – training and instruction raise awareness and increase knowledge of health and safety

Legal basis

As is so often the case, employee protection is also based on legal requirements. The most important rules on occupational safety are enshrined in the Employee Protection Act (ASchG). This law obliges employers to take measures to prevent accidents, unhealthy stress, work-related illnesses and occupational diseases. In addition, there are numerous other regulations (e.g. Workplace Ordinance, Work Equipment Ordinance, etc.) which regulate the rights and obligations of those involved in detail.

Supplementary regulations can also be found in the Maternity Protection Act (MSchG) and the Child and Youth Employment Act (KJBG) and their ordinances.

Obligations of the employer

Identify and assess hazards – before measures are taken, the employer must systematically record and assess all relevant hazards in the company:

Regular inspections by preventive staff (safety experts and occupational physicians at least every 2 years)

Hazards and stress caused by machines, working materials, noise, ergonomics, etc.

Preparation of a workplace evaluation (risk assessment)

Take measures to prevent hazards – specific protective measures must be implemented on the basis of the risk assessment, e.g:

• Ventilation and noise protection
• Safety markings
• Fall protection
• Emergency stop switch

Document workplace evaluation – the risk assessment carried out must be documented in writing (in health and safety documents):

• Nature and extent of the risks
• Measures taken
• Involvement of safety representatives and preventive staff (safety experts and occupational physicians) in creating and updating the documentation

Instruct employees – Employers are obliged to instruct their employees regularly and comprehensibly about hazards, protective measures and correct behavior before they start work – e.g. through

• Safety instructions (before starting work and refreshed at least once a year)
• Instruction on behavior in the event of a fire, e.g. through evacuation drills, use of fire extinguishers, etc.
• Training for new machines or after accidents

Provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) – if technical or organizational measures are not sufficient, suitable PPE (e.g. helmets, hearing protection, protective clothing) must be provided free of charge

First aid and emergency organization – employers must:

• Appoint and train a sufficient number of first aiders (depending on the number of employees)
• Provide first aid material
• Mark escape routes and emergency exits
• Draw up emergency plans (e.g. fire protection)

Cooperation with prevention experts – safety experts and occupational physicians must be consulted in every company (at least every 2 years) – interval depends on company size and risk

Employee participation – employees or their representatives (e.g. safety representatives) must be involved in the planning and implementation of protective measures

Protection of special groups – additional protective regulations apply to young people, pregnant women and people with disabilities

Inspection by the labor inspectorate – compliance with the regulations is checked by the labor inspectorate

Duties of employees

It is not only the employer who is responsible for occupational health and safety, employees also have clear duties to ensure their own safety and that of their colleagues.

The basic obligations of employees in the context of occupational safety arise from the Employee Protection Act (ASchG), the further regulations, guidelines and the company safety instructions (briefings).

The most important duties are:

• Strict compliance with all safety instructions and internal regulations
• The use and care of the personal protective equipment provided
• Proactive reporting of hazards, defects and accidents to the manager
• Participation in all mandatory instructions and training courses
• Responsible behavior towards oneself and colleagues that actively contributes to accident prevention
• Constructive cooperation in official and internal inspections (e.g. by labor inspectorates)

These regulations are not only required by law, but also make a significant contribution to minimizing risks in the working environment and protecting the health of everyone involved.

Non-compliance can have consequences under employment law, and unsafe behavior also endangers your own health and that of your colleagues.

Safe buildings, facilities and work equipment

However, the structural and technical systems also contribute to occupational safety – these must therefore be regularly inspected and maintained in order to minimize the risk to employees.

It is therefore very important that these maintenance and inspections are reliably carried out and documented on time. Any defects identified must be rectified promptly to ensure safe use.

Resume

Occupational safety is not only a legal obligation, but also a sign of responsible corporate management. A safe working environment not only protects people, but also increases productivity, motivation and the trust of the workforce. Employers are therefore well advised to take prevention seriously – not only from a legal perspective, but also in terms of a healthy, sustainable corporate culture.

As you can see, the right instruction, adequate training of company representatives (e.g. first aiders, safety officers, fire safety officers, etc.) and timely inspection, maintenance and testing are essential for effective employee protection in the company and also ensure optimum economic efficiency of buildings and systems.

Our MyBuilding24 app helps you to keep track of all your duties efficiently and reliably and reminds you in good time when you need to carry out these important instructions quickly and easily so that you no longer overlook any maintenance tasks.

If you want to focus on your instructions and have your inspection and maintenance obligations under control, then use our My Building24 APP or follow this link and register today – https://mybuilding24.com/de/ – so that your employees are well instructed and your buildings continue to function efficiently and reliably for a long time to come.