06. 10. 2025.
A workplace injury can happen to anyone, regardless of the type of job or working conditions. That is why protecting the health and safety of employees is the obligation of every employer.
WHAT IS A WORKPLACE INJURY?
A workplace injury is any injury that occurs while performing work or in connection with work.
It also includes injuries sustained on the way to and from work, as well as while performing tasks in the interest of the company.
EMPLOYER’S OBLIGATIONS
The employer’s obligations towards employees are as follows:
· MANDATORY EMPLOYEE INSURANCE – The employer is required to insure employees against workplace injuries, occupational diseases, and work-related illnesses. The cost of insurance premiums is borne by the employer, and their amount depends on the risk level of the workplace.
· REPORTING THE INJURY TO THE INSPECTORATE – In the event of a workplace injury, the employer must immediately, and no later than within 24 hours, submit a written report to the occupational health and safety inspectorate for any fatal, collective, serious, or other injury that causes the employee’s absence from work for more than three working days, as well as for any hazardous occurrence that could endanger the protection and health of employees.
· INJURY REPORT – The employer must issue a workplace injury report to the injured employee, within the deadline and on the form prescribed by the competent state health authority. The report is also submitted to the medical institution where the examination is carried out. This is important so that the employee can obtain a certificate of incapacity for work as well as a medical note for sick leave.
SALARY COMPENSATION FOR INJURED EMPLOYEES
An employee on sick leave due to a workplace injury is entitled to 100% of their salary.
However, the employer may request reimbursement from the Health Insurance Fund after 60 days of sick leave. The Fund reimburses 70% of the paid salary, which helps employers reduce the financial burden in such situations.
COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGES
If an employee suffers an injury or damage at work or in connection with work, the employer is obliged to compensate them for the damage. The amount of compensation depends on the circumstances that led to the injury and the way the damage was caused.
IS THE EMPLOYER OBLIGED TO EXTEND AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT DURING SICK LEAVE?
The employer is not obliged to extend the employment contract of an employee who is on sick leave due to a workplace injury, unlike in the case of maternity or parental leave.
