Work debate on occupational safety and health at work

On July 14, at the initiative of the Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on European Integration Meri Galstyan, a work debate on issues related to occupational safety and health at work was held in the Parliament. The debate was attended by the Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs Heriknaz Tigranyan, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ruben Sargsyan, the Head of Health and Labor Inspectorate Slavik Sargsyan, and the Deputy Head of the Inspectorate Vahagn Grigoryan.

"There are a number of legislative, institutional, and supervisory issues related to occupational safety and health at work. The Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement outlines complex actions regarding occupational safety and health at work, a strict approximation with a number of EU directives, which have not yet been implemented," Meri Galstyan said, highlighting the synchronization of reforms being implemented in the field.

Ruben Sargsyan, appreciating the work debates in such a format, presented the existing problems, emphasizing the need for expert assistance.

Slavik Sargsyan, presenting the activities of the inspection body, spoke about the supervision of the sector and existing problems. It was noted that training courses for safety engineers are planned in the near future, and work has been initiated to develop a draft law on Labor Inspection.

According to the observation of the Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Labor and Social Affairs Heriknaz Tigranyan, each sector should have clear regulations, applicable norms for safety.

During the debate, reference was made to the existing legislative gaps in the sector, the need for unified legislative standardization, the possibilities of regulating existing problems with a single legislative package, the work carried out and the actions planned in the near future.

Stressing the importance of occupational safety and health protection in the workplace, Meri Galstyan informed that work debates will also be held in the near future with the participation of representatives of the concerned, relevant bodies.