Occupational health and safety - 3MON

Floor Marking in Real‑World Conditions (OHS)

Miroslav Hlúbik — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:10:06 +0000

Floor marking is a simple but important tool for managing the movement of people and equipment in work environments. Properly designed marking has a direct impact on workplace safety, clarity, and operational flow. It is most commonly used in warehouses, production halls, logistics centers, parking facilities, and technical operations.

Why address floor marking at all?

Without clear marking, operations become unclear and hazardous:

pedestrian traffic mixes with material‑handling equipment,
safe and hazardous zones are not clearly separated,
visual orientation within the space is missing.

The result is an increased risk of workplace injuries, process disruptions, and problems during OHS inspections. Floor marking resolves these situations immediately and clearly through visual communication.

Floor Marking and OHS

From an occupational health and safety perspective, floor marking primarily serves to:

separate pedestrian routes from equipment traffic,
mark hazardous and high‑risk zones,
indicate escape routes and safe areas,
highlight obstacles, columns, and collision points.

During inspections, emphasis is placed especially on clarity, consistency, and up‑to‑date marking.
Damaged, inconsistent, or outdated markings are often considered just as serious a problem as their complete absence.

Basic Types of Floor Marking

In practice, floor marking consists of several elements that, when properly combined, create a clear and easy‑to‑read system at first glance:

Lines and Routes

– movement of people, forklifts, and material handling, supply and logistics routes

Zoning of Space

– storage areas, workstations, safety distances

Symbols and Pictograms

– warnings, prohibitions, and orientation signs, aplied directly on the floor

„Floor marking is not a design element, but a functional safety tool. In practice, it determines whether the movement of people and equipment is clear, controlled, and safe.“

Colors of Floor Marking and Their Meaning

Colors must have a consistent meaning across the entire facility, otherwise they lose their function:

Yellow – routes, traffic lanes, work areas
White – organization and storage layout
Red – prohibition, danger, fire‑safety equipment
Green – safe zones and escape routes

A common mistake is using the same colors for different purposes or combining them without a clear system.

Implementation of Floor Marking

The method of implementing floor marking must take into account floor load, operational characteristics, and the need to maintain smooth pedestrian traffic. In industrial and logistics environments, it is not feasible to shut down operations and wait several days for conventional paint to cure.

For this reason, we use modern UV technology with immediate curing, which allows application without operational downtime and ensures instant usability of the space.

UV floor marking is characterized by high chemical and mechanical resistance, long service life, and a clean application process without odors or solvents. It is suitable even for demanding conditions at temperatures from –25 °C to +35 °C. Each marking is designed according to actual movement of people and equipment and in line with OHS requirements to ensure clarity, consistency, and functionality even under intensive use.

Floor Marking by 3MON

At 3MON, we provide both design and implementation of floor marking, with full respect for OHS requirements and real workplace conditions. Each solution is tailored to the specific space and its intended use.

More information and a contact form can be found on our website: Floor Marking.

The post Floor Marking in Real‑World Conditions (OHS) first appeared on 3MON.

Night Work: Health Risks and Effective Prevention

Miroslav Hlúbik — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:53:41 +0000

Night work represents an increased strain on the human body and is associated with higher health risks. That is why legislation precisely defines and regulates the obligations that employers must follow to protect their employees. Correctly identifying who qualifies as a night worker is essential not only for safety but also for meeting all legal and preventive requirements.

This article provides a clear, practical overview.

Why Is It Important to Correctly Identify Night Workers?

Increased Health Risks

Night shifts disrupt the circadian rhythm, increase fatigue, impact sleep quality, and may contribute to long‑term health complications.

Legislative Obligations

By classifying employees as night workers, employers automatically assume specific responsibilities, including mandatory medical checks for night work.

Employer Responsibility

Correct classification is key to ensuring that employees receive appropriate assessments and that employers meet all legal requirements related to night work.

When Is an Employee Considered a Night Worker?

Regularly performs at least 3 consecutive hours of work between 22:00 and 06:00.

Night workers are subject to different rules than employees who only occasionally work at night.

What Is NOT Considered Night Work?

occasional
random
one‑time

Performing a small portion of work during night hours does not qualify the employee as a night worker.

Mandatory Medical Examinations for Night Work

Initial Medical Examination

Before assigning an employee to night work, every worker must undergo an initial medical check focused on fitness for night work. Its goal is to confirm the employee's ability to safely perform night work.

Regular Periodic Examinations

Employees working night shifts must regularly undergo periodic medical examinations, usually once a year, to detect early health changes or risk factors caused by night work.

Assessment of Health Limitations

If a doctor identifies a health condition that may limit or prevent night work, they can recommend adjusting working hours or transferring the employee to day shifts. The employer is required to follow the doctor’s assessment.

How Can an Employer Prevent Health Risks from Night Work?

Regular assessment of the work regime – technical, technological, and organizational measures should be reviewed and improved to reduce risks associated with night work.

Cooperation with occupational health services – professional monitoring helps detect reduced fitness for night work early—ideally during annual examinations—so preventive actions can be taken.

Education and prevention

Night work represents an increased physical and mental burden, which is why correct identification of all night workers and timely medical examinations are essential. Proper classification ensures protection of employees’ health and helps employers meet all legislative duties without stress.

If you need assistance with process setup or evaluating current solutions, we’re here to help.

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FIRETEC EXCELLENCE – a symbol of companies committed to safety

Miroslav Hlúbik — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:56:14 +0000

At 3MON, we believe that making the right decisions is key – especially when it comes to the safety of people, property, and the environment.
That’s why we decided to create the FIRETEC EXCELLENCE Award, dedicated to companies for which safety is not just a word in an internal directive, but part of everyday reality.

Why it was created…

Our vision is simple – to shift from “I have to” to “I want to”. We want safety to stop being perceived as an obligation, but rather to become a natural part of every modern company’s culture.

FIRETEC EXCELLENCE is a symbol of trust, expertise, and responsibility.

It is not granted automatically or by ticking boxes. We award it to those who truly live safety values in practice – through a systematic approach to occupational health and safety, functional fire protection solutions, consistent prevention, and an honest effort to protect people and the environment.

The first recipient: Optotune Slovakia

On October 2, 2025, we personally presented the very first FIRETEC EXCELLENCE award to Optotune Slovakia s.r.o. During the ceremony, Simona Kalinovská, CEO of 3MON, met with Tomáš Haršány, General Manager of Optotune Slovakia, who accepted the award on behalf of the entire team.

Optotune is proof that a technology-driven company can be both innovative and responsible.
Their approach demonstrates that investing in safety is not a cost, but a value.
Their team collaborates with experts, modernizes technologies, and provides regular safety training – not only to react to risks, but to anticipate and prevent them.

We recognized more than just results

The FIRETEC EXCELLENCE award does not only assess technical compliance, but also attitude.
It reflects how a company:

creates a safe working environment for its people,
protects the environment and minimizes risks,
builds occupational safety and fire protection as part of its long-term strategy,
cooperates with experts to stay one step ahead – in line with regulations and modern technologies.

When safety becomes part of company culture

FIRETEC EXCELLENCE stands as a mark of distinction and trust. We want to award it only to those who truly act – not just talk.
Every company that receives it undergoes a thorough evaluation based on our internal OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) criteria.

With this recognition, we aim to inspire other companies to reflect on how they approach safety, prevention, and the protection of their teams.It’s for those who understand, just like we do, that when every second counts, technology makes the difference – but values define the direction.

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Working on Ladders: How to Do It Safely and in Compliance with Regulations

Miroslav Hlúbik — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:00:08 +0000

Working on ladders is a routine part of many professions — from construction and maintenance to administrative tasks (such as storage and archiving). Although it may seem like a simple activity, it carries risks that should not be underestimated. In this article, we look at how to ensure safe ladder work, what the legal requirements are, and why regular ladder inspection is crucial.

The most common risks include:

Falling from height,
Ladder tipping over,
Overloading,
Using damaged or incorrect type of ladder.

These risks can lead to serious workplace injuries.
That’s why it is the employer’s duty to ensure that ladder work is carried out safely and in compliance with regulations.

In accordance with the Labour Code (Act No. 311/2001 Coll.), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No. 124/2006 Coll.), and Decree No. 147/2013 Coll. (on ensuring safety and health protection during construction work and related tasks, and on qualifications for certain job activities), the employer is obliged to:

Assess risks related to working at heights (including work on ladders),
Train employees in safe work practices,
Carry out regular ladder inspections and maintain proper records,
Provide safe and suitable personal protective equipment, including certified ladders.

Ladder inspection should be carried out:

Regularly – at least once a year,
Before each use – via visual check by the user,
Additionally – after a ladder falls, shows signs of damage, or if the environment where it’s used changes.

The inspection should include:

Material integrity (cracks, deformations),
Functionality of locks, anti-slip elements, and connections.

Use only certified and undamaged ladders.

Place the ladder on a stable and solid surface.

Ensure anti-slip footwear and floor surfaces.

Do not exceed the maximum load capacity (as specified by the manufacturer).

Never lean outside the ladder’s center of gravity – always maintain at least three points of contact.

For extended work at height, consider alternative solutions – such as scaffolding or work platforms.

Working on ladders requires strict adherence to safety regulations, regular ladder inspections, and knowledge of legal requirements. As occupational health and safety (OHS) specialists, we can assist you with preparing the necessary OHS documentation, ensuring employee training for work at heights and above free depth, and performing ladder inspections. Don’t hesitate to contact us — create a safe working environment in full compliance with current OHS regulations.

The post Working on Ladders: How to Do It Safely and in Compliance with Regulations first appeared on 3MON.

Working at Heights and Occupational Safety: What Are the Employer’s Responsibilities?

Miroslav Hlúbik — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:45:48 +0000

Working at heights is one of the most hazardous activities in the workplace. Even a minor misstep can lead to serious consequences — falls from heights are among the most common causes of fatal occupational injuries. From an occupational health and safety (OHS) perspective, it is therefore essential to strictly follow regulations, provide proper work equipment, ensure worker training, and maintain thorough documentation.

According to current legislation, working at heights includes any work, movement, or activity where a person is at risk of falling, slipping, or collapsing from a height or into a depth. This includes, for example:

work on rooftops,
work in excavations deeper than 1.3 meters,
use of ladders, scaffolding, and platforms.

Act No. 124/2006 Coll. on Occupational Health and Safety, together with Decree No. 147/2013 Coll., stipulates that the employer is required to:

assess the risks associated with working at heights,
provide appropriate personal and collective protective equipment for employees — such as full-body harnesses, safety railings, scaffolding, and safety nets,
ensure employee training for working at heights,
enforce adherence to technological and safety work procedures,
ensure regular inspection of technical equipment (ladders, platforms, ropes, fall arrest systems).

Most Common Mistakes When Working at Heights

Practical Measures to Ensure Safety

Working without fall protection.
Failure to use or incorrect use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Working on a damaged or unsuitable ladder.
Inadequate training of employees in technological and safety work procedures.

Prioritize collective protective measures (such as railings and scaffolding) over individual ones.
Employees must be trained in safe work at heights and in the use of PPE (personal protective equipment).
Use certified equipment — ropes, harnesses, fall arrest systems, ladders, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Working at heights requires the highest level of attention, properly implemented safety measures, and thorough prevention. From an occupational health and safety (OHS) perspective, it is the employer’s duty to ensure not only training and equipment, but also careful risk assessment and regular inspections of equipment used for work at heights.

As professional partners, we can assist you with preparing OHS documentation, conducting height safety training, and inspecting technical equipment. Remember — a well-designed safety system is not just a legal obligation, but also a way to protect the health and lives of your employees.

The post Working at Heights and Occupational Safety: What Are the Employer’s Responsibilities? first appeared on 3MON.

Work accidents and homeworking

Mária Fechová — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:40:00 +0000

Dealing with work accidents at home-office is somewhat different from dealing with accidents in the traditional workplace because they take place outside the employer’s direct supervision and, in most cases, in an environment that is not under the employer’s direct control. There are several specific challenges and rules that need to be considered from both the employee and employer perspective. Especially in light of national legislation such as the Slovak Act No. 124/2006 Coll. on Occupational Health and Safety, which obliges employers to ensure safe working conditions even during remote work.

From the employee’s point of view:

Know the rules and responsibilities:
- Employee should be familiar with occupational health and safety rules even in a telework environment. This includes basic safety principles, proper use of work equipment, and ergonomic workstation setup.
- The conditions under which teleworking is carried out should also be clearly defined (e.g. working hours, compulsory breaks, recommendations for work area set-up).
Immediate reporting of accidents:
- If an injury occurs while working from home, the employee should inform his or her employer immediately. This report should include details of the time and place of the injury, a description of the incident and, where appropriate, evidence that confirms that the injury occurred during the work activity (for example, photographs or testimony).
Provide evidence:
- The employee should document the location of the accident and the circumstances under which the accident occurred. Photographs, videos, or other evidence may be helpful to prove that the accident actually happened while on the job.
- If necessary, the employee should seek medical attention and retain all medical documentation that can later be submitted as evidence in a workers’ compensation claim.
Medical Treatment:
- If necessary, the employee should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even though the injury may seem minor, later complications may pose a problem in a claim for damages or compensation.
Communication with the employer:
- The employee should maintain open and regular communication with the employer throughout the injury resolution process. This includes providing all necessary information, answering the employer’s questions, and cooperating with the investigation of the incident.

From the employer’s perspective:

A clear policy for occupational health and safety in homeworking: The employer should have a clear policy for homeworking health and safety that includes procedures for dealing with workplace accidents. This policy should be communicated to employees and included in the employment contract or by-laws. The employer should also ensure that employees receive regular training on occupational health and safety. Training should include recommendations for a safe working environment at home (ergonomics, safety techniques, etc.).
Accident investigation:
- If an employee reports an accident, the employer should immediately begin an investigation. This may include communicating with the employee, asking for photographs, videos or witnesses, and possibly visiting the scene of the accident if possible.
- The employer should assess whether the injury occurred during working hours and while performing work tasks, which may be key to assessing a workers’ compensation claim.
Recording and reporting the injury:
- The employer is required to keep records of all work-related injuries, including those that occur while working from home. They must also report the accident to the insurer and, where required by legislation, to the competent authorities.
Provision of support and compensation:
- If the accident occurred while performing work and the employer is liable, he must provide compensation for the work-related injury. This may include compensation for loss of earnings, medical expenses and other costs related to the accident.
- The employer should support the employee in the process of returning to work, which may include adjustments to working conditions or temporary relief.
Prevention and improvement measures:
- After dealing with any workplace injury, the employer should evaluate the safety measures for homeworking and make any necessary changes or improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future. This may include updating by-laws, training and improving technical solutions (e.g. providing better equipment for homeworking).

Proving that the injury was work-related:
- It can be difficult for an employee to prove that an injury occurred while on the job, since homeworking takes place outside of the traditional workplace. Therefore, the employer must consider all relevant evidence and circumstances.
Control of the work environment:
- The employer does not have direct control over the employee’s home environment, which can make it difficult to assess safety risks and take preventative measures.
Variety of home environments:
- Every home environment is different, which means that an employer cannot universally tailor occupational health and safety measures. Therefore, individual advice and support needs to be provided.

Dealing with workplace accidents in homeworking requires an approach based on communication, thorough record-keeping and consideration of all legal regulations. Both employer and employee must work together to ensure that accidents are dealt with fairly and efficiently, with the main objective is health and safety at work, wherever it is carried out.

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European Week for Safety and Health at Work: Working safely and healthily in the digital age

Mária Fechová — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:05:00 +0000

Health and safety at work concerns everyone. It is valuable to the employee and it is beneficial to the employer. European Week for Safety and Health at Work takes place from 23 to 27 October. It will launch a two-year campaign on safe and healthy work in the digital age, presented by European Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit.

At 3MON, we care about the safety and health of your employees. That’s why we have decided to take part in the Healthy Workplaces 2023-2025 campaign.

Let’s take a closer look at what this campaign is actually about.

Digital technologies in the workplace

Digital technologies are changing not only the way we work, but also where and when we work. Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are supporting and replacing staff working in hazardous environments. Big data makes monitoring systems more efficient.

Remote working offers employees more autonomy and flexibility.

Based on EU-OSHA’s ESENER 2019 survey, more than 80% of workplaces across Europe use PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices.

EU workers use the most:

– 73% laptops, tablets and smartphones
– 11% wearable devices
– 5% machines or robots with artificial intelligence
– 3% robots that communicate with the worker

In 2022, 17% of employees worked predominantly from home, 90% of them using digital technology.

Psychosocial risks such as time pressures, long or irregular working hours, poor communication and collaboration, and job insecurity are most commonly associated with the use of digital technologies.
Research has shown that the rapid digitisation of the workplace has created many new opportunities for efficiency and productivity. However, it has also brought new challenges for occupational safety and health (OHS).
These risks need to be properly assessed and managed to ensure that workers in
Europe can carry out their activities safely and without endangering their health.

Healthy Workplaces 2023 – 2025 Campaign Goal

It is important to raise awareness of the importance of OSH in the digital age and to ensure that a human-centred approach to digitalisation is applied in the workplace.

“Digital technologies in the workplace are safe and beneficial for workers as long as potential risks are properly assessed and managed”

The campaign therefore aims to:

to improve knowledge about the safe and productive use of digital technologies in all sectors
to raise awareness of the OSH challenges related to the digital transformation of work
raise awareness of emerging risks and opportunities
promote risk assessment and safe management of digital technologies in the workplace
encourage the exchange of information and best practices between relevant stakeholders

Opportunities for digitisation in the workplace

The use of digital technologies in the workplace brings new opportunities for employees and employers, including new opportunities to improve OHS:

Automation shifts repetitive, labour-intensive and dangerous tasks to machines.
Robotics and artificial intelligence are supporting and replacing workers in hazardous
Workers and workers in hazardous work environments.
Digital and performance-enhancing technologies (e.g. exoskeletons) improve access to the labour market for disadvantaged workers such as those with disabilities, migrants or workers located in areas with a lack of employment opportunities.
Better monitoring combined with big data allows for more timely and effective interventions.
Better work-life balance, flexibility and autonomy for
workers who can work from home.

OHS challenges when using digital technologies

Challenges and risks to OSH arising from the use of digital technologies in the workplace:

Digital monitoring, loss of autonomy, intensification of work and pressure to perform to a certain standard.
Middle management tasks are replaced by algorithms that assign tasks to subordinates and monitor their performance.
Loss of control over work, fragmentation of work tasks into very simple tasks that
to be carried out in a standard way, a narrowing of the workload and a loss of skills to perform
the loss of job tasks.
Isolation of workers, increase in virtual interactions and loss of mutual support.
Incorrect or unfair decisions about workers resulting from
from automated or semi-automated processes using data and/or software that contain errors.
Incentive and penalty systems and worker performance evaluation.
Unclear OHS accountability and applicability of the existing OHS regulatory framework.
Mobility, flexibility, continuous availability and blurring of work-life boundaries.

Priority areas for the Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2023-2025

The campaign focuses on five priority areas. They explore the opportunities arising from digital technologies while addressing all potential challenges:

Working for digital platforms
Automating tasks
Remote and hybrid working
Managing workers through AI
Intelligent digital systems

By focusing on these areas, promoting best practices and raising awareness of the importance of this topic, a safer, healthier and more sustainable digital working environment can be offered to all workers in the European Union. The Healthy Workplaces Campaign is organised by EU-OHSA, which contributes to making Europe a safer, healthier and more productive workplace. The agency has also invited scientists and OSH professionals to take part in the campaign.

3MON provides OHS services and we consider it a kind duty to take part in this campaign and bring you information on the impact of digital technologies on work and workplaces and how to deal with them. If you are interested in this campaign and want to know more, please download the full Healthy Workplaces 2023 – 2025 campaign guide, Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age.

Are you a company in industry and using digital technology to manage and prevent risks? Enter the competition to win a Healthy Workplaces Campaign Good Practice Award.

Are you interested in our services? Contact us.

[contact-form-7]

The post European Week for Safety and Health at Work: Working safely and healthily in the digital age first appeared on 3MON.

Home office employees. What are the employer’s obligations?

Mária Fechová — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 13:10:00 +0000

The coronavirus pandemic has reshaped the way many companies work. Companies have “switched” to the home office, but while this change is largely perceived as a work benefit, it also brings with it questions. And since the home office is likely to remain with us (to some extent) even after the pandemic, it is good to know the legal assumptions behind this institution.

Employers also have OHS obligations to employees who work from their homes. And since the legal regulation of the home office is insufficient, questions arise about work equipment, employee control or accidents. So what to keep in mind?

What (not) is a home office?

As of 21 March 2021, an amendment to the Labour Code is in force, which clarifies the concepts of different forms of home working. There is no need to confuse them, as they do not mean the same thing in the context of, for example, working hours or employer obligations:

homeworking, teleworking – work performed by an employee under the conditions agreed in the employment contract at home or at another agreed location (homeworking) or work under the conditions agreed in the employment contract at home or at another agreed location with the use of information technology (teleworking) during working hours which the employee most often schedules himself.
home office – work carried out occasionally or in exceptional circumstances with the consent or agreement of the employer at home or at a place other than the usual place. Working hours and other essentials are usually fixed.

Unfortunately, the lack of legal regulation of home office is due to the fact that the Labour Code does not regulate its conditions in more detail. It is therefore advisable to agree them in advance with the employee in an internal regulation or in an addendum to the employment contract.

Did you know that?

Employers are not responsible for the condition of the workplace in which their employees carry out home office activities. This means that it is not responsible for the condition of the electrical wiring, heating equipment or other furnishings of the space, including ergonomic seating options.

However, it may provide the employee with a chair, desk or other equipment that will raise the level of OSH in the employee’s “living room”.

Specific OSH obligations of the employer in the home-office

Conduct health and safety awareness training for employees
Allocation of work equipment necessary for the performance of the work. The work equipment must be suitable for the job and have a verified safety record.

If the working tool is a laptop or computer, it is a good idea to think about the security of sensitive company data and GDPR.

When working with computer technology, regular breaks must be taken after at least four hours of continuous work.

It is recommended to instruct employees on the correct way of sitting, on simple exercises to prevent pain in the (cervical) spine or head, which are the most common “diseases” of clerical work.

Ensure that the use of any equipment that is part of a workplace with a display unit does not compromise the safety and health of employees
Ensure that the keyboard is separate from the display unit and conforms to ergonomic principles. A keyboard and mouse should be provided with the laptop, and a monitor is recommended for all-day work, as the laptop screen is not suitable for such work.

Accident at work – is a check possible?

Unfortunately, it has happened and a workplace accident has occurred? But how to prove that it really happened in the course of the employee’s occupation? When working from home, there is minimal likelihood of another employee seeing the accident and being able to confirm or deny one version. This makes it difficult for an employer to determine whether an injury is truly work-related.

The law does not allow entry into the employee’s home, although the employee should tolerate it in the interest of a more expeditious investigation of the incident. If the employee refuses to allow the employer to enter his home, labour inspectors can be used, who should not be denied access to the employee’s home when carrying out an inspection.

The future is the home office

Home office is probably the most frequently used term in the working world lately. However, allowing employees to occasionally come into the regular workplace is a good idea, which will not only help workplace relations and psycho-hygiene, but also help to solve work tasks more constructively.

It should therefore be remembered that even when working in the comfort of one’s own home, laws and rules apply. If you would like to discuss your specific responsibilities or for assistance in drafting an internal regulation on home office work, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The future is the home office

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Occupational health and safety and working on warm days

Mária Fechová — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 06:17:00 +0000

Employers certainly don’t have it easy. Even on days when temperatures soar to unusually high levels, they’re responsible for ensuring that employees not only stay properly hydrated, but also work in optimal climate conditions.
A particularly hot day is defined as one where the air temperature in the shade exceeds 30 degrees Celsius. Occupational health and safety and working on warm days have their own specific requirements, which are addressed in the Decree of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic No. 99/2016 Coll. on details regarding the protection of health from heat and cold stress at work.

But what does adequate fluid intake actually mean?
It refers to the amount of fluids an employee should drink during working hours to stay properly hydrated.

However, staying hydrated also means that employees must have access to safe drinking water – typically from a tap.
So don’t expect your employer to provide bottled table or mineral water.

In addition to proper hydration, employers should also ensure a sufficient supply of fresh air during hot weather. This should take into account the physical demands of the job and the type of work being performed — for example, through ventilation using fans, air handling units, or air conditioning systems. However, it’s important that these measures don’t expose employees to uncomfortable draughts or cause thermal discomfort.

So what are the obligations of a sole trader in terms of OSH? Perhaps some of you will be pleased to know that a sole trader without employees has it relatively easier when it comes to OSH. The self-employed self-employed person without employees is only responsible for himself. However, if as a sole trader you want to work for another company, you must provide your own OSH training, as you are not in employment with the company.

If you have a specific job as a sole trader and you go to work on a construction site, for example, you will need training on working at heights according to Law 147/2013 Coll..

This law and training talks about the works:

(a) at a height of more than 1.5 m if it is not possible to work from a fixed and safe working floor

(b) from a mobile working platform

c) from a ladder at a height of more than 5 m

(d) for earthwork in an excavation deeper than 1,3 m

If the sole trader is also an employer

But what if you are the employer of at least one person as a self-employed person? In this case, you, as the employer, are responsible for the correct and properly conducted OHS training towards your employee. At the same time, you are obliged to create a working environment in such a way that no undesirable circumstance (health hazard or accident) occurs and to provide a procedure for dealing with such a situation if it does occur. The OHS training is valid for 2 years, after which time the training must be repeated.

Contents of OHS documentation

In addition to the training, you need to have H&S documentation in place, which will include:

OHS policy
A guideline to identify prohibited work and workplaces for female and underage employees
Layperson – medical fitness and psychological fitness
Risk assessment table
Directive on the provision of PPE (including washing, cleaning and disinfecting agents)
Internal regulation for determining the conditions for the provision of a drinking regime
General principles of safe working
Guideline for the control of the use of alcoholic beverages and other intoxicating substances
Records of accidents at work

Fines for tradesmen for non-compliance with the OHS Act

If non-compliance with the provisions of Act 1 24/2006 Coll. on occupational safety and health, financial penalties from the Labour Inspectorate start at EUR 3,300 and can go up to EUR 33,000.

The post Tradesmen and OSH first appeared on 3MON.

Occupational health and safety - 3MON

Floor Marking in Real‑World Conditions (OHS)

Why address floor marking at all?

Floor Marking and OHS

Basic Types of Floor Marking

Lines and Routes

Zoning of Space

Symbols and Pictograms

Colors of Floor Marking and Their Meaning

Implementation of Floor Marking

Floor Marking by 3MON

Night Work: Health Risks and Effective Prevention

Why Is It Important to Correctly Identify Night Workers?

Increased Health Risks

Legislative Obligations

Employer Responsibility

When Is an Employee Considered a Night Worker?

Regularly performs at least 3 consecutive hours of work between 22:00 and 06:00.

What Is NOT Considered Night Work?

Mandatory Medical Examinations for Night Work

Initial Medical Examination

Regular Periodic Examinations

Assessment of Health Limitations

How Can an Employer Prevent Health Risks from Night Work?

FIRETEC EXCELLENCE – a symbol of companies committed to safety

Why it was created…

The first recipient: Optotune Slovakia

We recognized more than just results

When safety becomes part of company culture

Working on Ladders: How to Do It Safely and in Compliance with Regulations

Risks When Working on Ladders

Legislation and Employer Responsibilities

Ladder Inspection – How Often and What Should It Include?

Recommendations for Safe Ladder Use

Use only certified and undamaged ladders.

Place the ladder on a stable and solid surface.

Ensure anti-slip footwear and floor surfaces.

Do not exceed the maximum load capacity (as specified by the manufacturer).

Never lean outside the ladder’s center of gravity – always maintain at least three points of contact.

For extended work at height, consider alternative solutions – such as scaffolding or work platforms.

Conclusion

Working at Heights and Occupational Safety: What Are the Employer’s Responsibilities?

What Is Considered Working at Heights?

Legislative Requirements Related to Working at Heights

Most Common Mistakes When Working at Heights

Practical Measures to Ensure Safety

Conclusion

Work accidents and homeworking

How to deal with workplace accidents in homeworking

Challenges and specifics in dealing with injuries in homeworking

Conclusion

European Week for Safety and Health at Work: Working safely and healthily in the digital age

Digital technologies in the workplace

EU workers use the most:

Healthy Workplaces 2023 – 2025 Campaign Goal

The campaign therefore aims to:

Opportunities for digitisation in the workplace

OHS challenges when using digital technologies

Priority areas for the Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2023-2025

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Home office employees. What are the employer’s obligations?

What (not) is a home office?

Did you know that?

Specific OSH obligations of the employer in the home-office

Accident at work – is a check possible?

The future is the home office

The future is the home office

Where next?

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Occupational health and safety and working on warm days

Class of work 1a

Optimum temperature

Permissible temperature

Working class 1 b

Optimum temperature

Permissible temperature

Working class 1 c

Optimum temperature