Injury at work: What you need to know about protection in the workplace

An injury at work can happen to anyone, regardless of the type of work or working conditions. Therefore, protecting the health and safety of employees is the responsibility of every employer.

WHAT IS A WORK INJURY?

An injury at work is any injury caused during the performance of work or in connection with work.

Also, injury at work includes injury on the way to work and back, as well as when performing tasks in the interest of the company.

OBLIGATIONS OF THE EMPLOYER

The employer's obligations towards employees are as follows:

• MANDATORY EMPLOYEE INSURANCE - The employer is obliged to insure employees against work-related injuries, occupational diseases and work-related diseases. Premiums for this insurance are borne by the employer, and their amount depends on the level of risk in the workplace.
• REPORTING AN INJURY TO THE INSPECTION - If an injury occurs at work, the employer is obliged to immediately, and no later than within 24 hours of its occurrence, report in writing to the occupational health and safety inspection any fatal, collective, serious or other injury at work, which causes an employee to be absent from work for more than three working days, as well as a dangerous occurrence that could threaten the safety and health of employees.
• REPORT ON INJURY - The employer is obliged to issue a report on an injury at work to an employee who has been injured, within the time limit and on the form prescribed by the act of the state administration body responsible for health affairs. The report is also submitted to the health institution where the examination is performed. This is important so that the employee can receive a certificate on preventing work, as well as a remittance from the doctor.

WAGE COMPENSATION FOR INJURED EMPLOYEES

To an employee who is on sick leave due to an injury at work, the employer is obliged to pay 100% of the salary.

However, the employer can request reimbursement from the Health Insurance Fund after 60 days of sick leave. The fund refunds 70% of the wages paid, which is a way for employers to reduce the financial burden in such situations.

COMPENSATION OF DAMAGE

If an employee suffers an injury or damage at work or in connection with work, the employer is obliged to compensate him for the damage. Compensation depends on the circumstances that led to the injury and how the damage was caused.

DOES THE EMPLOYER HAVE TO EXTEND THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT DURING SICKNESS?

The employer is not obliged to extend the employment contract with an employee who is on sick leave due to an injury, as is the case with pregnancy or maternity leave.