The Ministry of Social Security and Employment is adding a breath of new importance to working safety declarations. Although already mandatory, working safety declarations were previously regulated in a generally lax manner. As of 19th September 2013, however, the Ministry has promised to instate more stringent controls as well as expanding the circle of subjects which must file declarations and broadening the scope of questions asked. Employers should not overlook these new requirements, as failure to comply may result in annoyance-level fines.
A proud step towards higher culture among employers?
Are your employees working according to the hours indicated in their timetables? Are your employees compensated correctly for their business trips? These are some of the questions you will be obliged to answer. But your answer will not remove the risk of review by the State Labour Inspection and it will do nothing to alleviate the risk of fines for infringements.
So, nothing but more bureaucracy. Business as usual. Or is it? The vice-Minister of Social Security and Employment has stated: "Replies to the questions posed in the declarations must be motivated not by fear of control, but by willing responsibility to employees and society, which is a step towards a higher employment culture". The Chief State Labour Inspector has meanwhile characterized the new measures not as yet another burden for businesses, but as a helpful roster which employers may use as a reference in assessing themselves in terms of working safety and other labour law requirements. You decide.
So what exactly do I have to do?
Fill in the questionnaire. This is supplied online through the State Labour Inspectorate electronic platform. You may also file it on paper, but be aware that, contrary to earlier practice, reports filed in free form will not be accepted. You must do so before 1st January 2014. Failure to comply may result in fines ranging from LTL 500 to 1500. And if you should see certain shortfalls in your practices, do consider hiring specialist guidance.
Yvonne Goldammer (Partner) / Justinas Sileika (Associate)
bnt attorneys-at-law Vilnius
Embassy House
Kalinausko 24, 4th flour,
LT-03107 Vilnius, Lithuania
+370 5 212 16 27