Workplace Safety in Bulgaria: Legal Obligations

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In Bulgaria, occupational safety holds a paramount position within the legal framework, aiming to protect employees from various occupational risks and ensure a healthy work environment. The evolution of European standards and the adoption of strict legislation demonstrate the importance given to this essential subject. Companies must not only comply with obligations governing risk assessment but also ensure that prevention measures are properly implemented and adapted to the specificities of each sector. This article explores the various responsibilities of employers and the initiatives implemented to promote an enhanced safety culture in the country.

Background and Legal Framework of Occupational Safety Obligations in Bulgaria

Historical Evolution of Occupational Safety Legislation in Bulgaria

The development of occupational safety laws in Bulgaria has undergone significant evolution over the decades. Starting in the 1990s, with the transition to a market economy, Bulgaria began aligning its legislation with European standards. A key moment was the adoption of the Labor Code in 1986, which subsequently underwent numerous amendments to adapt to European Union requirements. Bulgaria’s accession to the EU in 2007 marked a decisive turning point, accelerating the harmonization of its legislation with European occupational health and safety directives.

Current Legal Framework

The Bulgarian legal framework for occupational safety primarily rests on two pillars:

1. The Bulgarian Labor Code: It establishes the fundamental principles of labor relations, including employers’ obligations regarding safety.

2. The Occupational Health and Safety Act: Adopted in 1997 and regularly updated, it defines specific requirements for worker protection.

These laws have been supplemented by numerous regulations and ordinances, covering specific aspects such as protection against chemical risks, personal protective equipment, and safety in particular sectors like construction or mining.

Influence of European Directives

The integration of European directives into Bulgarian legislation has been an ongoing process. Key directives like the framework directive 89/391/EEC on occupational health and safety have been transposed, leading to significant changes in the Bulgarian approach to preventing occupational risks. This harmonization led to the introduction of concepts such as mandatory risk assessment and increased employer responsibility.

Employer Obligations and Safety Measures

Bulgarian employers are required to take various measures to ensure a safe work environment, including:

– Conducting regular risk assessments – Providing suitable personal protective equipment – Ensuring adequate safety training – Implementing emergency procedures – Conducting periodic medical examinations for employees

Control Authorities and Sanctions

The Executive Agency of the General Labor Inspectorate is the main authority responsible for enforcing occupational safety laws in Bulgaria. It conducts regular inspections and can impose sanctions ranging from fines to temporary suspension of activities in case of serious violations. Sanctions have been strengthened in recent years to improve compliance.

International Agreements

Bulgaria is a signatory to several International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions related to occupational safety, thereby strengthening its international commitments in this area. These agreements complement the national and European legal framework, creating a complex network of obligations aimed at protecting the health and safety of Bulgarian workers.

Main Safety Standards in Bulgarian Workplaces

Legislative Framework for Occupational Safety in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a strong legal framework for occupational health and safety, aligned with European Union standards. The Bulgarian Labor Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act constitute the pillars of this regulation. These texts define employers’ obligations and workers’ rights regarding protection against occupational risks.

Bulgarian legislation requires employers to implement preventive measures to ensure the safety and health of their employees. This includes systematic workplace risk assessment, training workers in safety practices, and providing appropriate personal protective equipment.

European Standards and Their Influence

Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union led to the adoption of numerous European directives on occupational safety. These standards have been transposed into national legislation, thereby strengthening the existing regulatory framework.

Bulgarian employers must now comply with higher standards, particularly regarding workstation ergonomics, protection against hazardous substances, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.

Employer Obligations

Employers in Bulgaria have extensive responsibilities regarding occupational safety:

• Conduct thorough workplace risk assessments
• Implement appropriate prevention measures
• Regularly train employees in safety procedures
• Provide personal protective equipment compliant with standards
• Ensure medical monitoring of workers exposed to specific risks

Companies must also have health and safety committees involving staff representatives in managing occupational health issues.

Role of the Labor Inspectorate

The General Labor Inspectorate plays a crucial role in enforcing occupational safety regulations in Bulgaria. Its inspectors are authorized to conduct unannounced checks in companies to verify compliance with safety standards.

In case of non-compliance, the inspectorate can impose sanctions ranging from fines to temporary closure of the establishment. Inspectors also have an advisory role for employers to help them improve their practices.

Safety Practices in Bulgarian Industry

In the Bulgarian manufacturing sector, there is widespread implementation of guards on dangerous machinery and mandatory use of personal protective equipment such as helmets, safety shoes, and protective glasses.

The Bulgarian chemical industry has adopted strict protocols for handling hazardous substances, including efficient ventilation systems and emergency procedures for accidental spills.

In the construction sector, Bulgarian construction sites are required to install secure scaffolding, use fall arrest harnesses for work at height, and implement clear signage for risk areas.

Worker Training and Awareness

Bulgarian legislation emphasizes the importance of worker safety training. Employers are required to organize regular training and information sessions on the specific risks of each job position.

This training must be adapted to the workers’ level of understanding and updated based on evolving risks. Practical exercises, such as fire evacuation simulations, are also mandatory in many sectors.

Worker Health Monitoring

The Bulgarian occupational health system provides for regular medical monitoring of workers, especially those exposed to specific risks. Periodic medical examinations are mandatory in certain sectors like mining or metallurgy.

Employers must maintain a record of medical examinations and any reported occupational diseases. This monitoring allows for early detection of work-related health problems and adjustment of workstations if necessary.

The Impact of OSHA Standards on Occupational Safety in Bulgaria

The Influence of OSHA Standards on Bulgarian Occupational Safety Legislation

The standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have had a significant impact on Bulgarian occupational safety legislation. Since Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union in 2007, the country has undertaken to harmonize its occupational health and safety laws with European directives, which are largely inspired by OSHA standards.

The Bulgarian Occupational Health and Safety Act, adopted in 1997 and amended several times since, constitutes the main legal framework. It applies to all companies, regardless of their organization, as well as to self-employed workers. This law incorporates the fundamental principles of the European framework directive 89/391/EEC, itself influenced by the OSHA approach.

Main OSHA Standards Adapted to the Bulgarian Context

• Fall Protection: OSHA standard 1926.501 on fall protection has been integrated into Bulgarian regulations, requiring employers to provide adequate protection for workers exposed to fall hazards of more than 1.8 meters.

• Hazard Communication: OSHA standard 1910.1200 on hazard communication has been adapted, obliging employers to inform and train their employees about hazardous chemicals present in the workplace.

• Respiratory Protection: OSHA standard 1910.134 on respiratory protection has been integrated, requiring employers to provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment when engineering controls are insufficient to protect workers’ health.

Impact on Safety Practices in Bulgarian Industries

The adoption of these standards has led to significant changes in safety practices within Bulgarian industries. Companies have had to implement more rigorous training programs, improve their risk assessment procedures, and invest in higher quality personal protective equipment.

In the construction sector, particularly sensitive to fall risks, the application of standards inspired by OSHA has led to increased use of fall protection systems and better training of workers on their correct use.

Observed Improvements in Occupational Safety

Since the introduction of these standards, Bulgaria has experienced a gradual reduction in the number of workplace accidents. The National Social Security Institute reports a decrease in the rate of fatal workplace accidents in recent years, dropping from 4.3 per 100,000 workers in 2010 to 3.2 per 100,000 workers in 2020.

Working conditions have also improved in many sectors, with better management of chemical risks and more widespread use of personal protective equipment.

Challenges Faced by Bulgarian Companies

Despite this progress, Bulgarian companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), face several challenges in fully complying with these standards:

• Compliance Costs: The initial investment required to upgrade safety equipment and procedures can be significant.

• Lack of Knowledge: Some companies lack internal expertise to correctly interpret and apply complex safety standards.

• Resistance to Change: In some traditional sectors, there may be resistance to adopting new work practices.

Assistance and Training to Facilitate Compliance

To help companies overcome these challenges, the Bulgarian government and various international organizations have established assistance programs:

• The General Labor Inspectorate regularly organizes seminars and workshops to inform employers about new regulations and best safety practices.

• The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) provides resources and online tools, translated into Bulgarian, to help companies conduct risk assessments and implement prevention measures.

• European funding programs are available to help SMEs invest in improving their occupational safety conditions.

The adoption and adaptation of OSHA standards in Bulgaria have contributed to a significant improvement in occupational safety. Although challenges persist, the ongoing efforts of the government and international organizations to support companies in their compliance efforts foreshadow future improvements in this crucial area.

The Importance of Personal Protective Equipment

The Legislative Framework for Personal Protective Equipment in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Labor Code. These legislative texts require employers to provide suitable PPE free of charge for occupational risks and to ensure its correct use. Bulgarian legislation aligns with European directives, notably Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on PPE, which defines essential safety requirements and conformity assessment procedures.

Protection Against Risks in Major Industries

In the construction sector, one of the most important in Bulgaria, PPE plays a crucial role in protecting workers from falls from height, falling objects, and risks related to machinery. Safety helmets, fall arrest harnesses, and safety shoes are essential equipment on Bulgarian construction sites.

For the manufacturing industry, another pillar of the Bulgarian economy, PPE varies according to production processes. In textile factories, dust masks and hearing protection are essential to prevent respiratory diseases and hearing loss. In metallurgy, heat-resistant gloves, protective glasses, and flame-retardant clothing protect against burns and splashes of molten metal.

Responsibilities of Employers and Employees

Bulgarian legislation requires employers to:

• Assess occupational risks and select suitable PPE
• Train workers in the correct use of PPE
• Maintain and replace PPE if necessary
• Supervise the effective use of PPE by employees

Employees, on their part, have the obligation to:

• Use the provided PPE correctly
• Report any defect or malfunction of the equipment
• Participate in training on the use of PPE

Benefits of Correct PPE Use

The systematic and appropriate use of PPE in Bulgaria has significantly reduced the number of workplace accidents and occupational diseases. In the construction sector, for example, the mandatory wearing of safety helmets has contributed to a 15% decrease in head injuries over the past five years.

Beyond accident prevention, PPE improves worker comfort and well-being. In the Bulgarian chemical industry, the use of respiratory masks and protective suits has reduced exposure to hazardous substances, thereby decreasing the incidence of respiratory and skin conditions among employees.

Innovations and Future Trends

PPE manufacturers in Bulgaria are investing in the development of new materials and technologies to improve the comfort and effectiveness of equipment. Smart PPE, integrating sensors to monitor environmental conditions and workers’ health status, are appearing in the country’s high-risk industries.

Emphasis is also placed on the personalization of PPE to adapt to morphological differences and the specific needs of workers, thus improving their acceptability and effective long-term use.