President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on November 9 signed a law that changes the labor safety system and introduces new requirements for worker safety. Employers will have to assess occupational risks, prevent dangerous situations, and ensure proper protection of personnel.
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans' Rights reported this.
This refers to Law No. 5007-IX "On Safety and Health of Workers at Work," which parliament adopted on October 12, 2026. The document is intended to replace the law "On Labor Protection" in effect since 1992 and bring Ukrainian legislation closer to European Union standards.
The main change is the transition from formal compliance with occupational safety requirements to systematic prevention of risks to the life and health of workers. Under the new rules, the employer must not only respond to accidents but also identify hazards in advance and take measures to eliminate them.
New obligations for employers
The law provides for mandatory occupational risk assessment, safety planning, and recording of incidents at workplaces. Employers must also organize personnel training and ensure necessary medical examinations at their own expense.
Enterprises will have authorized persons or specialized units responsible for worker safety. Requirements for their organization will depend on the number of staff and the level of hazardous work. For small enterprises, the possibility of engaging external specialists is provided.
For employers performing high-risk work, additional requirements are also provided, including insurance or obtaining appropriate permits and conducting an independent audit of the safety system.
New rights and guarantees for workers
Workers will have the right to refuse to perform work if there is a threat to their life or health. The law also provides protection from harassment for reporting accidents, occupational diseases, or dangerous situations at work.
Costs of occupational safety measures should not be borne by workers. Mandatory training and medical examinations will be conducted at the employer's expense during working hours with wage preservation.
At the same time, workers will be required to undergo prescribed instructions, training, and medical examinations. Refusal to undergo mandatory procedures may result in suspension from work.
When the new rules will take effect
The signing of the law does not mean immediate introduction of new requirements. The document will enter into force six months after the termination or cancellation of martial law in Ukraine. Until then, current labor protection legislation will remain in effect.
Within a year from the date of promulgation of the law, the Cabinet of Ministers is to bring subordinate regulatory acts into compliance with the new provisions and approve the necessary rules for their implementation.
The law is developed taking into account European Directive 89/391/EEC, which establishes general principles for the prevention of occupational risks, protection of workers' health, and employers' responsibility for safe working conditions.
Based on materials from: Verkhovna Rada Committee of Ukraine, Holos Ukrainy
