arrow_back Trending Legislation
Share share

New protections against biological hazards at work and seafarer rights

New international rules, which Poland is considering adopting, aim to better protect workers from viruses, bacteria, and toxins in the workplace. They introduce employer duties like risk assessment, training, and providing protective gear, and give workers the right to leave a dangerous worksite. Additionally, changes to the maritime labor convention strengthen seafarers' rights, including shore leave, repatriation, and protection from violence.
Key points
Employers will have to identify biological hazards (e.g., viruses, mold) and protect workers through training and protective equipment.
Workers will gain the right to leave their workstation without consequences in case of an immediate and serious threat to life or health.
Seafarers will gain a guaranteed right to shore leave in ports, and shipowners will have to cover the costs of their repatriation.
A ban on violence and harassment on ships, including sexual harassment, will be introduced, with a duty to report such incidents.
The new rules will cover all workers, with special attention to high-risk groups like healthcare workers, farmers, and pregnant women.
article Official text notifications_active Track this Bill
gavel
Status:
Introduced
Record your position for audit.
Why does your vote on bills matter?
It creates raw, undeniable proof. Civic Will provides the permanent data to verify the Government's loyalty towards its citizens (explained here). Start recording it now.
Additional Information
Przedstawione przez Ministra Rodziny, Pracy i Polityki Społecznej dokumenty: Konwencja nr 192 dotycząca ochrony przed zagrożeniami biologicznymi w środowisku pracy, Zalecenie nr 209 dotyczące zapobiegania zagrożeniom biologicznym w środowisku pracy i ochrony przed tymi zagrożeniami, Poprawki do Konwencji o pracy na morzu z 2006 r.
Print number: OTHER 2626
Process start date: 2026-05-29