Occupational safety inspection mechanism in the European Union

The aim of this article was to examine the mechanism of occupational safety inspection in the European Union. In particular, the aim of the article was to analyze the existing models of labor inspection and the main aspects of the system in the European Union; to study the legislative framework of labor inspection within the European Union; to study the status, qualifications, selection process of labor inspectors in the European Union. The study found that an effective labor inspection system ensures both the well-being of workers and the improvement of financial results through high productivity. An effective labor inspection system, together with socially responsible enterprises and healthy industrial relations, can be the basis for a mutually beneficial strategy for promoting sustainable development. An effective labour inspection system promotes a level playing field by preventing irresponsible employers – those who do not comply with the legal provisions relating to general working conditions and occupational safety and health and who refrain from making the necessary investments – from harming workers and engaging in unfair competition with competent employers. The labour inspection system in this regard ensures that such behaviour is prevented or sanctioned. The study also found that labour inspection systems can be considered as single, dual or multi-functional systems, insofar as they perform one or more of each of these functions. Single-functional systems are typically prevalent in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Denmark and Sweden. Various forms of dual systems are common in Germany, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and the Baltic States, with Finland and Norway occupying an intermediate position, focusing mainly on health and safety, but also covering some additional broader tasks. More multifunctional systems are characteristic of countries such as France and Spain, where, in addition to health and safety, the scope of labour inspection to varying degrees includes industrial relations, social security and employment-related matters. Labour inspectors play an important role in ensuring that labour legislation is applied equally to all employers and workers.