THE SYSTEM OF SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK IN WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES

Abstract

This paper presents information regarding countries in the Western Balkan region, including Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro, when it comes to work safety and health systems at work. The purpose of this research is to link and benchmark the systems of occupational safety and health, comparing national characteristics, positive benefits, and existing deficiencies. Relevant information can be obtained on the national characteristics of the Western Balkan countries and therefore can be compared which of the countries indicated, implementated, and to what extent, international and European occupational safety and health standards and thus created a preventive culture in the workplace. By analysing and unifying the conclusions and recommendations of the national systems, this paper provides an overview of what has been achieved so far and in which direction the region is moving in terms of safety and health at work, bearing in mind the European Union 89/391 Framework Directive on safety and health at work. In this way, for the first time in the region, it is possible to create a complete picture of the situation, problems and challenges of the OSH system, but also to pave the path for the future development in the field of occupational safety and health.