2016-2020

Occupational
Safety and
Health Policy
Document
2016-2020
Occupational
Safety and
Health Policy
Document
On the road to a safer and healthier culture at work

(Decision of Council of Ministers No. 371, dated of 18/5/2016)

March 2016

Project implemented by International
Labour Organization
This document was supported by the EU–IPA 2010 Project on HRD in
Albania, funded by the European Union and implemented by ILO, and
by the Regular Budget Support Action funded by ILO for supporting the
implementation of the National Employment and Skills Strategy 2014–2020,
in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth.
The content of this publication is the responsibility of the authors and does
not reflect the official opinion of the European Union or the International
Labour Organization (ILO).

DESIGN GRID CARTELS

cover YOUNG PERSON WORKING AT A FACTORY IN DURRES, ALBANIA

Working Group established to elaborate the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)Policy Document and Action
Plan,through Order No. 38, dated 27.01.2014, issued by the Minister of Social Welfare and Youth (MoSWY)

1. Mrs Bardhylka Kospiri, Vice Minister of MoSWY Chair

2. Mrs Silva Banushi, General Director of Employment and Vocational

Education and Training (VET) Programme Member

3. Mr Astrit Kuka, Director of Inspection, Labour Relations, Wages and Pensions Member

4. Mr Dritan Ylli, Chief Labour Inspector Member

5. Mrs Xhilda Papajani, Specialist, Department of Inspection, Labour Relations,

Wages and Pensions Member

6. Mrs Xhilda Pinci, Specialist, Department of Legislation Service Member

7. Mrs Eralda Mariani, Specialist, Ministry of Health Member

8. Mrs Marjana Lako, Specialist, Ministry of Education and Sports Member

9. Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Representative Member

10. Mr Arjan Hoxha, Minister Adviser, Ministry of Energy and Industry Member

11. Mr Qemal Hoxha, Specialist, Institute of Public Health Member

12. Mr Hajdar Luka, Specialist, Instituteof Public Health Member

13. Mr Mihallaq Kondo, Specialist, Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism,

Trade and Entrepreneurship Member

14. Mr Altin Fuga, Ministry of European Integration Member

15. Mr Sherif Bulku, Union of the Independent Trade Unions of Albania Member

16. Mr Edison Hoxha, Trade Unions Confederation of Albania Member

17. Mrs Eda Beqiri, State Labour Inspectorate Member

18. Mrs Jolanda Salata, State Labour Inspectorate Member

19. Mrs Irida Qosja, State Labour Inspectorate Member

20. Business Albania Representative Member

6 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Table of Contents
Foreword 8

Introduction 10

Chapter 1: Occupational Safety and Health Policies 14

1.1. Economic, political and social situation 14

1.2. Definition of Occupational Safety and Health 17
1.3. Occupational Safety and Health in Albania 19
1.3.1. Institutional framework 20
1.3.2. Legislative framework 25
1.4. Public awareness and OSH promotion 27
1.5. OSH education and research 27
1.6. Social dialogue 28
1.7. Data collection, monitoring and statistics 29
1.8. Implementation of OSH rules 29
1.8.1. Implementation of the strategic OSH Policy Document, 2009–2013 29
1.8.2. Implementation of OSH policies 30
1.9. Challenges to be addressed 34

Chapter 2: Vision and Strategic Priorities 36

Pillar A: Improvement of labour protection with effective OSH policies and legal framework 38
Pillar B: Creation of decent working conditions and safer and healthier workplaces 38
Pillar C: Establishment of transparent and effective OSH system and institutions 39

Chapter 3: Policy Objectives 40

Chapter 4: Estimated Costs and Sources of Financing 48

Chapter 5: Accountability, Monitoring andEvaluation Mechanisms 56

ANNEXES 60

ANNEX A: Action Plan and Indicators, 2016–2020 61

ANNEX B: Summary of non-implemented or only partially implemented actions for 2009–2015 period 71
ANNEX C: List of OSH directives and policies to be adopted or implemented over the period 2016–2018 72
ANNEX D: Definitions 73
 7

Figures and Tables

Figure 1: Numbers of accidents and fatal accidents at work, 2013–15 32

Figure 2. Inspections Performance 33
Figure 3: Sources of financing of OSH Action Plan (%) 55
Figure 4: Distribution of estimated costs by OSH Action Plan Pillars (%) 55

Table 1: Assessment of implementation of the OSH Policy Document, 2009–2015 31

Table 2: Estimated budget of OSH Action Plan, 2016–2020 50
Table 3: Distribution of estimated costs by OSH Action Plan Pillars (000 Leke and Euro) 55

ACRONYMS

CI Central Inspectorate
DCM Decision of the Council of Ministers
EU European Union
GDP Gross Domestic Product
ILO International Labour Organization
IPH Institute of Public Health
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MoARDWA Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration
MoE Ministry of Environment
MoF Ministry of Finance
MoEDTTE Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship
MoEI Ministry of Energy and Industry
MoH Ministry of Health
MoSWY Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth
NLC National Labour Council
OSH Occupational Safety and Health
SILSS State Inspectorate for Labour and Social Services
SME Small and Medium Enterprises
VET Vocational Education and Training
WHO World Health Organization
8 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Foreword

I
would like to express my appreciation for the Occupational Safety and Health
Policy Document and Action Plan 2016–2020 to have been developed and
adopted. The improvement of safety and health at work is one of the priorities of
the Albanian government in its objective to boost employment and create decent
working conditions in an economy based on high quality employment and, at the
same time, increase productivity.

Thus, the promotion of safe and healthy working environments, free of occupational
accidents and diseases, needs the support of this well structured and concise
Strategic Document and Action Plan. This Plan is to be implemented under the
leadership of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth, but it also involves the Ministry
of Health, Ministry of Energy and Industry, and Ministry of Economic Development,
Trade, Tourism and Entrepreneurship, as well as other ministries and social partners.

Ensuring better and safer working conditions will mean the attainment of a higher
quality of life for citizens. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of the Albanian
government to pursue all necessary policies that contribute to better standards of
living and human dignity. The importance of OSH lies not only in the fact that it saves
lives and protects the health of people, but also that it avoids huge economic losses,
promotes good working conditions and welfare at work, and motivates employees,
creating higher levels of productivity and effectiveness of work, quality of products
and services, and market competitiveness, and ultimately affects the prosperity of
businesses and the country’s overall development.

Even though many actions have already been implemented, and many improvements
achieved in the OSH area, such as, among others, the establishment of a basis for
a new harmonised OSH legislation, ratification of relevant international standards,
strengthening of the labour inspectorate, and the undertaking of campaigns raising
awareness of OSH, many challenges remain to be tackled and much work remains to
be done in this area.
 9

Therefore, I would like to encourage all stakeholders that will be involved in

implementation of this plan to assume responsibility and take a serious role in
implementation of the tasks related to the new policies on OSH. In June 2014,
Albania was granted candidate status by the European Union and we have assumed
responsibility to achieve European standards in all significant areas, including
working conditions and labour protection. The Albanian government cannot fulfil
its commitment without the active participation and support of all relevant state
institutions, social partners and Albanian citizens. Labour acts upon a strong tripartite
basis.

Implementation of these strategic activities will not be a simple task. It needs a

change in the mind-set of ordinary workers up to senior management, from school
children to high-level professionals, and from family members to inspection bodies.
The changes required in the methods of approach, in the habits and in the working
culture are of utmost importancein this process.

My appreciation and gratitude extends to all parties involved in the preparation of the
Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document 2016–2020 and its Action Plan.

Blendi Klosi

Minister of Social Welfare and Youth

10 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Introduction

F
or more than 20 years, Albania has taken significant steps and made steady
progress along the road towards European integration, in what has been a
long and difficult path. The country has embraced the democratic changes
that have taken place in Europe, and in striving towards integration into the
European family, successive Albanian governments have given priority to the issues of
the harmonisation of domestic legislation based on common values and standards of
European models.

The Government of Albania (GoA) is very much committed to reducing the heavy
toll at work, inequalities in health and education, and of implementing the standards
of the European Union (EU) and International Labour Organization (ILO) regarding
occupational safety and health. Over the years, many laws have been adapted and
tailored to the standards of the European social model, while transposing EU criteria,
recommendations and directives.

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth (MoSWY), and
in strong collaboration with other relevant ministries, including the Ministry of
Health (MoH), state institutions and social partners, and supported by ILO technical
assistance in the country,1 GoA has developed the present Occupational Safety and
Health (OSH) Policy Document and Action Plan (2016–2020).

This policy document aims at being a modern instrument for protecting workers’
rights and interests. Its strategic vision is to create decent working conditions for more
productivity and less informality in Albania. Efforts will be focused initially on three
main pillars that aim to: i) improve effective labour protection through OSH policies

1  Supported through the EU-funded IPA 2010 project on Human Resources Development in Albania,

implemented by ILO, in the period from April 2012–January 2015, and further technical assistance

provided in the scope of a regular budget support action aiming at implementing the National

Employment and Skills Strategy 2014–2020, in which OSH policies are included.
 11

This policy document aims at being a modern instrument for protecting workers’ rights
and interests. Its strategic vision is to create decent working conditions for more
productivity and less informality in Albania. Efforts will be focused initially on three
main pillars that aim to: i) improve effective labour protection throughOSH policies
and legal framework, ii) create decent working conditions and safer and healthier
workplaces, and iii) establish transparent and effective OSH systems and institutions

and legal framework, ii) create decent working conditions and safer and healthier
workplaces, and iii) establish transparent and effective OSH systems and institutions.

The OSH Policy Document and Action Plan, 2016–2020, is consistent with GoA’s vision
and priorities envisaged in the National Strategy for Development and Integration
(NSDI), 2015–2020, the National Employment and Skills Strategy 2014–2020, the EU
Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work, 2014–2020, the WHO Global
Strategy on Occupation Health for all, and the ILO Plan of Action, 2010–2016, which
aims to achieve widespread ratification and effective implementation of occupational
safety and health instruments.

The encouragement of OSH and the protection of employees, society and

environment from any adverse risks at work should be supported by the social policy
of government and the active participation of the addressed institutions and social
partners. The preparation and drafting of sectoral and cross-sectoral strategies for the
period 2013–2020 in the context of NSDI is regulated by Order of the Prime Minister
no. 93, dated 07.08.2012. The order defines 27 sectoral and cross-sectoral strategies
in the context of NSDI. An OSH strategy is not included and is therefore considered
to be a supplementary strategic document to the National Strategy for Employment
and Skills 2014–2020. As a recommendation of the Department of the Prime Minister’s
Office in charge of Strategic Planning (DDPFPA) this document was developed as a
policy document on OSH in Albania for the period 2016–2020, in which the actions
needed to be implemented and their costing were identified.

The process has been performed under the scope of the attributes of MoSWY,
with the active participation of other line ministries, implementing institutions and
social partners. A Working Group (WG) of 20 members was appointed by Order of
the Minister of Social Welfare and Youth (no. 38, dated 27.1.2014). The document
was prepared over two years, from January 2014 – January 2016. International and
local expertsassisted in the analysis and development of the policy document and
definition of the action plan. For review of the previous OSH Strategy (2009–2013)
12 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

implementation and current state of affairs, a questionnaire was elaborated and

data collected and analysed. Research and analysis of related OSH documents and
legislation were done, as well as collection of the necessary (and available) statistical
data. Six working group meetings were convened and consultation with line ministries
and social partners was organised. The OSH Policy Document and Action Plan
2016–2020 was presented and discussed in the National Labour Council meeting held
in October 2015. The policy document, along with its action plan, was submitted to
all ministries as an official documentwith protocol no. 6551, dated 21.12.2015, and
their feedback was reflected in the final version of the document.

The OSH policy document consolidates a mutual vision, the challenges, priorities
and targets for improving the working conditions of the Albanian workforce, the
labour productivity, and the competitiveness of the economy, enabling conditions
for sustainable economic growth. It sets a framework for cooperation and defines
objectives and proposed actions for government, in particular ministries, public
institutions, inspection bodies, social partners and other stakeholders. The
recommended policies on safety and health at work represent a critical aspect for
the protection of employees against negative phenomena at work, reducing work
accidents and occupational diseases, improving job satisfaction and the quality of life
for employees. The challenges to be addressed and proposed actions were designed
with anemphasis on being realistic, specific for key areas of implementation, feasible,
sustainable and assignable. The OSH Action Plan 2016–2020 is a complementary
document introducing the concrete actions for implementation within each priority
area, identifying the responsible institutions, timeframe and related indicators.

This document aims at ensuring the sustainability of continuous improvement in OSH

policies. It provides a clear vision for the future and defines the strategic objectives
and related actions for the next six years, and encompasses the following topics:

• current situation of OSH policies and activities in Albania, considering the

economic, political and social situation
• progress with implementation of OSH policies over the period 2009–2013
• challenges to be addressed in the upcoming intervention
• a vision and strategic priorities for OSH policy, accompanied by respective
targets, outcomes, relevant objectives, and relevant indicators
• estimated costs and sources of financing
• accountability, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
• a detailed action plan for 2016–2020, with respective costs.2

2  The Action Plan 2016–2020 will be periodically reviewed and evaluated so that the national priorities and

actions may be adjusted or changed to meet future needs.

13
14 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Chapter 1
Occupational Safety
and Health Policies
1
15

1.1. Economic, political and social

situation

Albania is located in Eastern Europe, in the

Western Balkans, and has a total surface area
of about 28,000 km2. The country is primarily
mountainous, though with a broad flat coastline.
The total population of the country3 is estimated
to be about 2.81 million, with an average density
of 97 inhabitants per km2. The average annual
population growth from 2005–2010 was 0.4 per
cent, even though it decreased in rural areas by 0.6
per cent, increasing by 1.9 per cent in urban areas.
In 2005, 58.5 per cent of the active population was
employed in the agricultural sector, 28 per cent in
services and 13.5 per cent in the industry sector.

Despite the demographic changes that have

taken place over the last two and a half decades,
Albania’s population is still younger than those
of other European countries. One third of the
population are under the age of 15 years,and
40 per cent are younger than 18 years. A great
percentage of the Albanian population lives in rural
areas, reaching a figure of 46 per cent.

In 2008, 18.5 per cent of the population was

living below the poverty line and the official
unemployment rate was 13.8 per cent. However,
by 2012, the proportion of extremely poor
and poor inhabitants in Albania recorded an
important decrease,accounting for 16.6 per cent,
while the latest available data on poverty in the
country stands at 14.6 per cent. Nevertheless,
the unemployment rate among 15–64 year-olds
reached 17.9 per cent in 2014, revealing the effects
of the global crisis upon jobs, particularly in Europe.

Since its transition from a dictatorial political regime

to a democratic one, and from a highly centrally
planned economy to a free-market economy,
Albania has been undergoing a profound structural

3  http://www.instat.gov.al/media/177354/main_results__

population_and_housing_census_2011.pdf
16 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)
transformation, resulting in high growth rates in
the 1990s and the first decade of the XXI century.
Such growth has positioned Albania as having one
of the growing economies in Europe and a country
with a relatively high Human Development Index
(HDI), standing at 0.733 in 2014, following a steady
4
increase over the past 25 years.
Employment shows marked gender differences
among the different economic sectors, with
agriculture remaining the sector with the highest
participation of women: 54.5 per cent in 2012.
This economic growth has been accompanied by
stable macroeconomic and fiscal policies, structural
reforms to improve the business environment, and
investment in infrastructure, technology and human
resources. Whereas rural areas are mainly directed
towards agriculture and farming, urban areas are
mainly targeting services and industry. Participation
in industry in rural areas is relatively low, especially
in manufacturing and extraction industries. Income
disparities between Tirana, the capital, and the less
developed mountain areas are significant, even
though they have recently been declining. A major
source of income for Albania, a country with one
of the lowest levels of Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) per capita in Europe (USD 4,370.7 in 2008 ), 5
is remittances from abroad, representing about
9.1 per cent of GDP per capita, over the period
2009–2014, sent mostly by emigrants living in
Greece or Italy.
According to the Labour Force Survey 2015, during 6
the third quarter of 2015, labour force participation
for the population of working age, 15–64 years, was
64.7 per cent. Female labour force participation
rate was 54.7 per cent. During the third quarter of
2015, youth (15–29 years) labour force participation
4  http://www.al.undp.org/content/albania/en/home/countryinfo/
5  Macroeconomic and Fiscal Framework 2017–2019, Ministry of
Finance, November 2015
6  INSTAT 2015, Quarterly Labour Force Survey, Third quarter,
December 2015
rate was 45 per cent, and youth employment
was 30.4 per cent. Meanwhile, the adult (30–64
years) labour force participation rate was 75.1
per cent, and adult employment, 65.4 per cent.
Unemployment was close to 17.5 per cent,with the
level among adults at 12.9 per cent.
In 2012, the agriculture sector was marked by
increased employment rates with it maintaining
a dominant role as a source of employment in
Albania,at about 39.7 per cent of the employed
of age 15–64 years,compared with 23.9 per cent
employed in the market services sector (wholesale
and retail trade, automobile repairs, hotels and
restaurants, transport, storage and communication,
monetary and financial services, and real estate).
Employment shows marked gender differences
among the different economic sectors, with
agriculture remaining the sector with the highest
participation of women: 54.5 per cent in 2012.
Women’s share in the public sector is slightly higher
than that of men, while in the non-agriculture
private sector there are approximately twice as
many men employed as women. Employment data
show that women are predominantly employed in
two other sectors: in health and education women
account for, respectively, 66.9 per cent and 68.3 per
cent of employed persons.
The private sector in Albania is mostly dominated
by micro and small enterprises (>90%) with 95
per centof them having from 1–9 employees,
contributing to 72.9 per cent of GDP and
employing 71.4 per cent of the workforce.7
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries remain the sectors
with the highest number of workers, while trade
and industry are sectors with the highest number
of enterprises, followed by hospitality services and
manufacturing.
Since 24 June 2014, the Republic of Albania has
7  http://www.biznesalbania.org.al/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/
Studim%20i%20BiznesAlbania.pdf

been an official candidate country for accession to
the European Union. This gives new possibilities
8
and advantages for the country through access
to the European markets and mutual policy
coordination and supervision of EU countries.
Meanwhile, this status requires the commitment
of the Government of Albania, social partners and
all of society to fulfil the conditions and criteria for
the granting of full membership of the country to
the EU. Therefore, the Albanian constitution and
legislation are being developed based on European
principles and goals, and in line with international
acts and bodies, focusing on and emphasising
the protection of human rights, including those
concerning workers’ rights. Thus, protection at work
with regard to occupational safety and health is an
important part of the Albanian Labour Legislation,
which foresees shared obligations for both parties
(workers and employers) with the main aim of
protecting workers’ safety and health and increasing
the productivity of businesses.
As mentioned in the Introduction, Albania has
taken significant steps and is making steady
progress along the road towards European
integration,and developments and improvements in
the Occupational Safety and Health legislation have
been approved.9 Also, specific regulations outlining
the required EU elements for OSH policy and
actions have been approved by GoA over the years.
According to the European Commission Progress
Report on Albania (2015), with regard to safety
and health at work, in addition to 15 regulations,
four new regulations have been adopted, covering
risks arising from electromagnetic fields, artificial
optical radiation, noise and vibration, aiming at
aligning the national legislation with the EU acquis.
GoA has also adopted secondary legislation
8 http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-439_en.htm
9  Law No. 10 237, dated 18.2.2010,‘On Occupational Safety
and Health’, available at http://www.chemicals.al/vkm/
ligj_nr_10237_dt_18022010%20per%20sigurine%20ne%20
pune.pdf
17
related to safety measures for pregnant women
and new mothers, protection of minors in the
workplace, and the fishing industry. Efforts have
been made to improve labour inspection activities
by training actions delivered to labour inspectors,
mainly on how to apply the new OSH legislation and
extending electronic reporting to the regional labour
inspectorates. Monitoring and reporting on accidents
at work statistical data and the effectiveness of labour
inspections to reveal undeclared workers have also
improved. The number of reported accidents at
work has increased, from 86 in 2013, 111 in 2014,
to 125 in 2015 (State Inspectorate for Labour and
Social Services,SILSS, Annual Report).
For social dialogue, the National Labour Council
(NLC) is functioning properly and convening on a
regular basis. However, further efforts are needed
on collective bargaining at all levels in order to
increase the capacity of social partners to negotiate
collective agreements. Bipartite social dialogue
needs to be improved and the autonomy of social
partners needs to be increased. Much remains to
be done to develop social dialogue at the regional,
local and enterprise levels.
1.2. Definition of Occupational
Safety and Health
Work activities can be hazardous to the health
of employees and workplaces can also affect
the safety and health of customers, volunteers,
bystanders and local residents. ILO estimates that
across the world more than one million work-
related deaths occur annually and hundreds of
millions of workers suffer workplace accidents and
occupational exposure to hazardous substances.10
Occupational and industrial accidents are all caused
by preventable factors that could be eliminated
by implementing already known and available
measures and methods. Thus, some 600,000
10 http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/media-centre/press-
releases/WCMS_007969/lang--en/index.htm
18 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Understating Occupational Safety and Health

OSH is an important component of social protection of employees against negative
aspects of work, work accidents and occupational diseases. It improves job satisfaction
and strengthens the functioning of the labour market and the quality of human capital.
On the other hand, poor standards of OSH, industrial injuries, fatalities and occupational
diseases place a large burden on the national economy through the payment of
social compensation, hospital costs, retraining and replacement of workers and loss
of productivity. OSH is generally defined as the science of anticipation, recognition,
evaluation and control of hazards arising in or from the workplace that could impair
the health and well-being of workers, taking into account the possible impact on the
surrounding communities and the general environment.

lives would be saved every year if available safety
practices and appropriate information were used.
To address this problem and reduce the toll at work,
also in light of the different circumstances countries
face, different strategic interventions to improve
occupational safety and health are needed. For
instance, in well-developed industrialised countries,
priorities need to focus on psychological factors
and risks linked to poor workplace relations and
management processes, which may lead to mental
and physical consequences of repetitive, highly
technical tasks and information on handling new
technologies and substances, including chemicals.
In industrialising countries such as Albania priorities
need to focus on improving safety and health
practices in primary industries such as farming,
fishing and logging, preventing severe industrial
accidents, including fires and leaks of hazardous
substances, preventing traditional accidents and
diseases, including those in informal workshops and
home-based industries and involving exposure to
silica dust, which is extremely hazardous and results
in a large number of unnecessary premature deaths
each year.
In terms of its scope, OSH is a multidisciplinary
and cross-sectoral area, concerned with the safety,
health and welfare of people engaged in an
aspect of work or employment. In other words,
as a discipline, it aims to avoid work accidents,
occupational diseases and other negative aspects
of work, through identification of the risks causing
them, and implementation of adequate preventive
and protective OSH control measures. Therefore,
the new approach to OSH includes a broader
scope, more than just the strict sense of safety
and health, to include the physical, mental and
social well-being of workers, covering also working
relations, work organisation, rules of employment,
and work culture, among others.
OSH is a specific science applied by occupational
health professionals, including engineers,
environmental health practitioners, chemists,
toxicologists, doctors, nurses, safety professionals
and others who have an interest in the protection
of the health of workers in the workplace. It
is applicable to all sectors of the economy,
including construction, agriculture, services
and transport. This implies that OSH should be
mainstreamed in many areas and should focus
on the implementation of specific actions for its
improvement.
In addition to Occupational Safety and Health, ILO
and the World Health Organization (WHO) also
provide a definition on Occupational Health, which
is commonly understood as: “the promotion and
maintenance of the highest degree of physical,
 19

Focusing on Three Main Objectives

Occupational health is focused on three different objectives: i) the maintenance
and promotion of workers’ health and working capacity, ii) the improvement of the
working environment and work to become conducive to safety and health, and iii) the
development of work organisations and working cultures in a direction that supports
safety and health at work, and in doing so, also promotes a positive social climate and
smooth operation and may enhance the productivity of the undertakings. The concept
of working culture is intended in this context to mean a reflection of the essential value
systems adopted by the undertaking concerned. Such a culture is reflected in practice
in the managerial systems, personnel policy, principles for participation, training policies
and quality management of the undertaking.

mental and social well-being of workers in all • automation of the workplaces;

occupations”. WHO considers an occupational
health service to be responsible for the overall
health conditions of the workers and, if possible, of
his or her family.11
Occupational health aims at the promotion and
maintenance of the highest degree of physical,
mental and social well-being of workers in all
occupations, the prevention of departures and
absences of workers due to health conditions
caused by inappropriate working conditions, the
protection of workers in their workplaces from risks
resulting from factors adverse to health, the placing
and maintenance of a worker in an occupational
environment adapted to his physiological and
psychological capabilities, and, to summarise, the
adaptation of the work to the man and of each man
to his work.
According to WHO (1995) the most important and
current challenges for occupational health are:
• health problems linked to the excessive
usage of new information and communication
technologies;
11  Definition of occupational health adopted by the Joint ILO/
WHO Committee on Occupational Health (1950)
• new chemical substances and physical
energies;
• health hazards associated with new
biotechnologies;
• transfer of hazardous technologies; and
• ageing of the working population.
1.3. Occupational Safety and
Health in Albania
The situation of OSH can be defined by the state
of its legal framework, the level of the capacities of
institutions responsible for OSH rules enforcement,
and the degree of its actual implementation and
enforcement. The level of awareness, acceptance,
observance and the work culture of workers,
employers, producers and self-employed persons
also need to be taken into account. Public
awareness, in general, about aspects of OSH is
an important determinant of the OSH situation
in a country. Availability, access and effectiveness
of relevant OSH services play a key role for
achieving good quality standards. Adequate OSH
professionals, mainstreaming of OSH subjects
into the education system, at different levels and
branches, and the political commitment to support
20 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)
this area by proactive effective policies are critical
elements for identifying and defining the situation
of OSH in a given country.
Over the last two decades Albania has faced rapid
changes, in which industrialisation of the economy
and innovation through the use of technology are
the motto of successive governments and many
investors. An increasing number of Albanians
are being exposed in the workplace to physical,
chemical, biological and psychological stressors. In
the interest of ensuring protection for them from
work-related injuries and illnesses and preventing
accidents, the development of legal documents
and the creation of favourable working conditions
adjusted to the needs of both employers and
employees are crucial to increasing the motivation
of both parties to comply with the regulations and
contributing to a higher productivity at work.
Occupational Safety and Health was long ago
introduced and embraced in Albania. Before the 12
1990s, this issue fell under the responsibility of the
Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (currently
Institute of Public Health) under the Hygiene and
Environmental Protection Sector, which consisted of
the following sub-sectors: occupational hygiene, food
hygiene, communal hygiene and children hygiene.
This sector was responsible for developing OSH
policies and cooperating with other stakeholders (e.g.
investors, industry, education system) to elaborate
programmes and projects that would respect the
sanitation norms, ensure safety at work and, foremost,
protect the workers’ physical and mental health.
After 1990, the governance system changed and
the entire economy underwent a transformation,
from a totally centralised economy towards an open
market economy. At the same time the country had
to deal with consolidation of the rule of democratic
and human rights. The area of Occupational
Safety and Health has also been subject to many
modifications, as described below.
12  Pistoli C, Cikuli Z, Boci M, Koci M. Organization of Health
Services in Socialist Republic of Albania. Publication of
Tirana University for students of Faculty of Medicine
(1985),MihalDuri Publication House
1.3.1. Institutional framework
Regarding OSH policies and the related
management body, much progress has been made
in Albania in recent years. There are a number of
institutions that deal with health protection and
implementation of OSH , including the following:
Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth
In the area of Occupational Safety and Health,
MoSWY is the leading institution and responsible
for the protection of constitutional rights in the area
of employment, for ensuring decent employment
and social security, strengthening cooperation
with social partners for the development and
implementation of general policies in the field of
OSH, labour relations and inspection. These tasks
are ensured by a specific Department for Labour
Inspection, Labour Relations, and Social Dialogue.
In addition, this department is also responsible for
elaboration of drafts of legal and by-legal acts that
serve for the implementation of policies aiming at
the achievement of compliance with the EU acquis
in this area, according to the provisions of the OSH
law, and the monitoring of the performance of
inspection with regard to implementation of the law
based on the criteria defined in the Decisions of the
Council of Ministers (DCMs). In terms of staffing,
there are currently two persons responsible for OSH
matters; thus the department can be considered
understaffed.
State Inspectorate for Labour and Social Services
This body was set up in 1995 and is a central public
institution under the subordination of the MoSWY.
SILSS comprises three general directorates:
Inspectorate, OSH and Internal Services. Since
2006, SILSS has been operating as an autonomous
institution.13
SILSS has the responsibility of enforcing legal
provisions and collective agreements relating to
working conditions, such as working hours, wages,
13  Law No. 9634, dated 30.10.2006,‘On Labour Inspection and
State Labour Inspectorate’

safety, hygiene and welfare, child labour, and work
of migrants and other vulnerable workers. The main
duty of the OSH Directorate is the monitoring and
implementation of labour legislation in the field of
Occupational Safety and Health, with the purpose
of preventing accidents and occupational diseases
and ensuring safer and healthier work places
SILSS operates throughout the country in twelve
counties (regional directorates) and 36 districts
(office representatives). It has a staff of 115 of which
98 are labour inspectors, with 33 of them in Tirana
County.14 With the establishment of a new inspection
system in Albania in 2010, all inspection authorities of
particular ministries, including SILSS, are under the
coordination of the Central Inspectorate.
The competences and structure of SILSS are
defined in Law No. 9634, dated 30.10.2006, ‘On
Labour Inspection and State Labour Inspectorate’,
amended by Law No. 24, dated 14.02.2013, as
well as several DCMs. Labour inspection is also
regulated by Law No. 10433 dated 16.06.2011,‘On
Inspections in the Republic of Albania’.
The main tools that SILSS uses to fulfil its role
include several types of labour inspection visits,
counselling and advice, investigation of accidents,
investigation of complaints, notifications,
prevention activities, and imposition of sanctions,
but also organising campaigns and awareness
raising activities.
National Labour Council
Considering cooperation with social partners as
a key element the National Labour Council is
the highest tripartite social dialogue institution
in the country, established and operating in
pursuance of Article 200 of the Labour Code and
DCM No. 730/2003 ‘On the Functionality of the
National Labour Council and Appointment of
Representatives of the Council of Ministers in this
Council’, and the regulation on its functionality. The
purpose of the NLC is to maintain social balance
14  Annual work report of SILSS, 2015
21
through harmonising the interests of parties,
reaching social understanding by developing
dialogue between government and social partners,
minimising social conflicts and reaching agreements
that are accepted by parties through exchange of
information and revision of proposed options. The
council examines issues of common interest for
organisations of employers and employees in order
to find an acceptable solution for the parties.
Consultations are made concerning, especially,
the preparation and implementation of the labour
legislation, amendments to the labour code and
the content of the sub-legal acts, the policies and
national organisations dealing with employment,
vocational training and qualification, protection
of employees, OSH issues, well-being, and
programmes of economic and social development,
as well as with the application of the norms of ILO.
The NLC has 27 members including seven members
who are representatives of government (ministers),
while the employers and employees organisations
are represented by ten members each. The most
represented employers’organisations and trade
unions participating in the NLC are appointed every
three years by a DCM based upon indicators of
representativeness defined in cooperation with, and
the consensus of, these organisations.
The NLC Chair is the Minister of Social Welfare and
Youth. The council has an independent budget.
It approves the meeting agenda and meets
in observance of the programme or upon the
written request of each party to the NLC Chair in
compliance with the internal standing rules laid
down for operation of the council. The NLC meets
four times a year.
Six specialised tripartite commissions operate
under the NLC (Legal; Employment and Vocational
Training; Wages andPensions; Conditions, Health
and Safety at Work; Equal Opportunities; Economy
and Finances) where all issues planned to be
examined by the council are consulted in advance.
22 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Main Actors
Institutional framework

Ministry of
Agriculture, Rural
National Labour Development
Council and Water
Ministry
Administration
of Social Welfare
and Youth

Institute of Public
Ministry Health
State Inspectorate
of Health
for Labour and Social
Services

State Health
University of Inspectorate
Medicine of Tirana
(Faculty of
Ministry of Energy Medicine)
and Industry

Central
Inspectorate
Ministry of
Environment

Ministry of Health Institute of Public Health

In the area of OSH, the Ministry of Health is the
body responsible for coordinating and developing
occupational medicine at the national level, as
well as for developing and adopting by-legal acts
to ensure implementation of the provisions of the
OSH Law, such as regulations on protection and
promotion of the health of employees. In addition,
MoH is responsible for the training of occupational
health professionals and for coordinating
research, notification, registration and recording
of occupational and work-related diseases. The
ministry is also responsible for the design and
monitoring of the implementation of OSH and
occupational medicine regulations.
The Institute of Public Health (IPH) was established
in 1957, and its activity is regulated by the Law on
Public Health,15 according to which one of the basic
services of public health is occupational health. By
this law, IPH is given the authority for research into,
and control and identification of, factors harmful
to the health of employees and the consequences
deriving from such factors.
IPH is a reference centre for occupational health.
It operates through a network of local public
15  Law No. 1038, dated 11.05.2009,‘On Public Health’

health structures in the country. Furthermore,
IPH is responsible for continuous education
of professionals in the field of occupational
health. The mission of IPH, as the national
centre in the area of public health, consists in
the development and application of prevention
and control of diseases, injuries, disabilities and
harmful environmental factors on health, and the
development and application of health promotion,
in close cooperation with national and international
agencies, bodies and organisations.
The Sector of Occupational Health in the
Department of Health and Environment
monitors the condition of workers’ health and
work places, and develops and applies research
programmes in occupational health areas. All these
activities are based upon relevant analysis and
performance of the laboratories of the Department
of Health and Environment.
State Health Inspectorate
State Health Inspectorate (SHI) is a new institution
established through DCM No.241, dated
21.3.2013, under the Ministry of Health. It conducts
its inspection activity to ensure implementation of
legal provisions related to OSH (legislation in force:
Law No.7643, dated 2.12.1992 ‘On Public Health
and the State Sanitary Inspectorate’, amended
by Law No. 45/2013 ‘On Sanitary Inspection’,
legislation on protection from ionising and non-
ionising radiation, and legislation on biocide
products in public health). The mission of SHI is to
guarantee and respect legal requirements in the
area of public health, inspect activities with regard
to the hygiene–sanitary rule, aiming to protect the
health of the general public from harmful factors
and consequences deriving from such factors.
SHI is responsible for all the inspection functions of
MoH, except for the inspection of activities in the
pharmaceutical area, which is performed by the
responsible body as per the legislation in force. SHI
is a central budgetary institution, organised at the
central and the regional level (12 SHI branches in
the counties) with its headquarters in Tirana, under
23
the Minister of Health.
In order to perform its legal obligations, SHI aims to
achieve the following objectives:
• Guarantee observance of legal requirements in
the area of public health.
• Increase the security of products and services
provided in the health sector.
• Offer transparency and contemporary methods
for inspection delivery through the support
provided by a well-prepared staff of inspectors.
• Establish a fast internal alarm system to ensure
full traceability of all products and goods within
the area it covers.
• Raise awareness among inspection entities on
actions to be undertaken in order to improve
their activity in the framework of the legislation
in force related to health and safety, by
aiming to fulfil conditions required in terms of
European integration.
• Protect Albanian consumers effectively from
risks and threats in the area of health.
• Make Albanian business operators and
consumers aware of the best practices of
health hygiene to be applied in all areas of
activity of SHI.
In order to fulfilits legal obligations SHI ensures the
following:
• Efficient reconciliation and coordination of
activity in areas under the competence of the
ministry responsible for health.
• Provision and unification of the best inspection
practices, on a national level.
• Coordination of the activity of laboratories
and facilitation of analyses by accredited
laboratories.
• Informing of the public about the inspection
activity.
• Provision of technical and administrative
support for the inspection activity;
• Development of an annual programme and
report on inspection.
The object of the work performed by the State
Health Inspectorate is:
• Identification of risks throughout the country
24 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)
and threats from illegal activities.
• Undertaking of timely and accurate inspections,
including joint ones, following the annual
programme.
• Development of innovative solutions to
mitigate risks and threats.
• Provision of timely and quality information for
decision makers.
• Assessment of internal controls and
improvements that support successful
implementation of the activity of SHI.
University of Medicine of Tirana
(Faculty of Medicine)
The Faculty of Medicine provides education in
the area of occupational safety and health at
several levels. There are two curricula designed for
graduating students with regard to occupational
diseases. Mainly, students are introduced to the
policies followed by the Albanian government with
regard to OSH and implementation mechanisms,
as well as the practices and experiences of EU
countries on this issue. The existing curricula does
not cover the so-called new consequences of
occupational diseases, such as psycho-emotional
risk, muscular-skeletal disorders and ergonomics,
biological risks, allergic disorders, occupational
cancers and non-ionising radiation. Also, there
is the Faculty of Public Health, which provides a
simple curriculum on occupational medicine.
Until recently, there was also the Occupational
Diseases Clinic in Tirana, part of Mother Theresa
University Hospital Centre (UHC). However,
despite its importance in diagnosing and treating
occupational diseases this department was
closed down in 2005 due to the organisational
restructuringof UHC.
In addition to core OSH institutions, a good
part of the line ministries, such as the Ministry
of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water
Administration (MoARDWD), Ministry of Economic
Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship
(MoEDTTE), Ministry of Energy and Industry (MoEI),
and Ministry of Environment (MoE), also contribute
to OSH policies.
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural
Development and Water Administration
For issues concerning OSH MoARDWD has
established a regulatory system that is primarily
based on Law No. 7941/1995 ‘On Food’, and Law
No. 9308/2004 ‘On the Veterinary Inspectorate
Service’. The Food Control Inspectorate and
Veterinary Service Inspectorate act as mechanisms
for implementing these laws. Both institutions
base their work on the activity of the inspectorates
related to analyses and risk assessments.
Ministry of Environment
The State Environment Inspectorate is an
autonomous institution under the Ministry of
Environment and is composed of two departments:
the Department of Environment Inspectorate,which
operates mainly in the environment outside
company premises, and the Department of Forestry
Police Inspectorate, which has, among others, the
duty to implement occupational safety and health in
forest-exploiting enterprises.
Competences of the State Environment
Inspectorate are clearly expressed in
Law No. 10431, dated 9.06.2011,‘On
EnvironmentalProtection’,and in DCM No. 103,
dated 4.02.2015,‘On the Establishment and the
Way of Organisation and Operation of the State
Environment and Forestry Inspectorate’.
Ministry of Energy and Industry
This ministry covers four principal sectors in the
field of OSH, including activities in petroleum and
gas extraction, activities performed with equipment
and machinery under high pressure, activities in
mineral extraction, and activities for the production,
transmission and distribution of electrical power,
and electrical installations and equipment. In order
to ensure OSH this ministry created, through Law
No. 9595/2006, a Central Technical Inspectorate.
In addition, there is the Inspectorate for Electrical
Equipment and Installations (IEEI), which is the
enforcement agency responsible for supervising
implementation of regulations that guarantee safe
occupational operations of electrical equipment
and installations in the course of the economic

activity of natural and legal entities.
The Labour Inspection of underground mining
activity is conducted exclusively by the Mine
Inspection and Rescue Division, under the
Ministry of Energy and Industry. There are no clear
competences or efficient cooperation between
these inspection bodies of labour inspection.
Central Inspectorate
According to the Law on Inspections in the 16
Republic of Albania, the Central Inspectorate
(CI) is a public central institution, under the
subordination of the Prime Minister. Its functions
include coordination of inspection activities,
methodological guidance for the inspection activity
and overall supervision of inspection and support
for government in the development of policies with
implications in the field of inspection. In addition,
it adopts general rules on indicators of general
effectiveness inspection, and criteria for their
evaluation. The CI provides feedback for each legal
initiative in the area of inspection, and monitors
implementation of this law and of the special law
by state inspectors, and can initiate disciplinary
measures. It establishes and maintains a unique
inspection portal that serves as a platform for
planning and coordinating inspections, exchanging
information and data on various inspectorates, and
for informing the public.
1.3.2. Legislative framework
National legal framework
The legislative framework of OSH policies in
Albania has been improved in recent years. Many
laws, decrees and regulations related directly to
OSH policies have been developed and improved.
To complete the setting of supportive OSH policies,
Albania developed a Strategic Policy Document on
16  Law No. 10433, dated 16.06.2011,‘On Inspection in the
Republic of Albania’
17  A list of laws, decrees and orders to be adopted can be
found in Annex C to this document.
25
Occupational Safety and Health 2009–2013.18 This
was an important document, not only because it
opened the way to improve OSH in Albania, based
on international standards, but also because it
identified specific measures and required actions
needed for achieving strategic objectives in this
field.
EU legal framework
The EU acquis on social policy and employment
includes minimum standards in the areas of labour
law, equal opportunities, safety and health at work,
and anti-discrimination. Specifically, on OSH, it is
represented by the Framework Directive 89/391/
EEC and 19 individual directives on minimum safety
and health requirements for particular technical
areas, which derive from and are in line with the
Framework Directive. Besides, there are several EU
directives regulating specific OSH areas that are
not related to the Framework Directive, such as the
Directive on Asbestos, the Seveso III Directive on
Control of Major-Accident Hazards, the directives
on regulating the working time for special groups
of workers, and the Directive on Prevention from
Sharp Injuries in the Hospital and Healthcare
Sector. These are not yet transposed into the
Albanian legal system and need to be planned for
transposition.
Another special set of EU directives covers
technical safety requirements for products and their
placing on the market,and are related also to OSH
protection. Such directives concern, e.g., safety of
machinery, electricity, pressure vessels, and lifts,
while their transposition is under the auspices of
17
MoEDTTE. Careful analysis of the transposition
of technical directives will be undertaken in order
to complete the transposition process of these
directives. The set of regulations includes also
chemical products, their classification, labelling and
packaging, registration and authorisation. This set is
already included in the national legal system.
18  http://www.chemicals.al/vkm/dokumenti%20i%20
politikave%20strategjike%202009-2013.pdf
26 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)
Meanwhile, a third level of European OSH
rules are considered non-binding guidelines for
implementation of particular individual directives
or sector activities. Such guidelines are followed
in the practical implementation of the directives.
However, none of these guidelines are available
in the Albanian language, and nor are their
modifications. The majority of EU countries have
their own specific national regulations that set out
safety requirements for dangerous work, e.g. on
construction sites, in agriculture, forestry, services
and specific technologies. Such regulations have no
EU model and should be developed on the basis of
domestic technical guidelines. Such regulations are
missing in Albania.
ILO conventions
ILO conventions comprise the next source of
international standards for national legislation.
Albania is a country with among the highest
number of ratified ILO conventions. The most
important conventions in the OSH area have been
ratified, including Convention Nos. 81, 129 and
155. Two conventions were ratified in 2014 and
came into force in April 2015: C187/2006 ‘On
Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety
and Health’, and C167/1988 ‘On Safety and Health
in Construction’. Nevertheless, some ratifications
are still missing, e.g. on work in fisheries, on OSH
in agriculture, on working conditions in hotels and
restaurants, on chemicals, on asbestos, and on
occupational health services.
There are particular concerns with the ratified
provisions of Convention No. 155 regarding the
protection of workers and their representatives from
disciplinary measures as a result of actions properly
taken by them in conformity with the policy referred
to in Article 4, as well as with the protection of
workers who remove themselves from a situation at
work that presents an imminent and serious danger,
as laid out in Article 13.
National OSH legislation
The Albanian Constitution guarantees all citizens
the right to social protection at work. Basic
provisions for the protection of safety and health
at work are provided by the Albanian Labour
Code, under Chapter VIII, ‘On Safety and Health
Protection’ (Articles 39–76). They basically include
the principle of employers’ responsibility for
ensuring OSH protection in the workplace, and
other requirements similar to those laid down in
the OSH Law. In addition, based on the Labour
Code, several by-laws have been issued by the
Albanian government providing detailed rules on
the implementation of OSH requirements, namely
the DCMs on special measures related to OSH
protection, on definition of accidents at work, and
on definition of occupational diseases, and others.
According to Articles 77 and 70(3) of the
Stabilisation and Association Agreement, Albania
has a commitment to harmonise progressively
its legislation on OSH. In 2010, a new OSH Law
was adopted in the country, transposing the EU
Framework Directive. This law introduced new
principles of OSH management, based on risk
prevention, assessment of risk at work, taking
into account all aspects of work, and system
organisation, involvement of OSH specialists and
workers, and proper emergency planning. All
the above-mentioned aspects represent a new
approach for the protection of workers.
Following adoption of the OSH Law, Albania
started to transpose the EU individual directives on
OSH, which derive from the EU OSH Framework
Directive. Thus, in 2011, two harmonised
regulations were adopted by a DCM, namely, on
safety signs in the workplace, and on safety and
health at construction sites. From 2013–2015,
with the assistance of an EU IPA 2010 project on
Human Resources Development, a total of 15
other regulations transposing EU OSH individual
directives were adopted by a DCM. They transpose,
respectively, the individual directives on safety
and health requirements regarding the workplace,
the use of working equipment, the use of personal

protective equipment, protection against chemical
agents, protection against biological agents,
explosive atmospheres, carcinogens and mutagens,
work with display screens, and for manual handling,
with physical agents, noise, vibration, non-ionising
radiation, optical radiation, and protection of
female employees who are pregnant or new
mothers, or of employees in fishing boats.
Other draft regulations have been also developed
with assistance of the EU IPA project, pending
adoption by the Council of Ministers, transposing the
remaining EU OSH individual directives, such as the
directive on OSH protection from risks in underground
and surface mining industries and on the protection
of young workers. This package of new harmonised
regulations and its proper implementation will also be
supported by adoption of several DCMs drafted by
the Ministry of Health, including a list of occupational
diseases, duties of the occupational doctor, and
norms, rules and procedures for medical examination
(the latter still to be approved).
1.4. Public awareness and OSH
promotion
Occupational safety and health is to be respected
in the workplace by the main actors: workers
and employers. They have to have appropriate
knowledge on safety rules, legislative requirements,
and the principles of prevention, risk assessment
and good practices. Besides, they shall be aware of
safety behaviour, have a right attitude of mind and
consistent acceptance of understanding about the
importance and implications of safety and health at
work. Such an approach is built by the systematic
promotion of wider public awareness of OSH.
Building public awareness is a long-term process,
just as is education. There are different ways to raise
public awareness about safety and health at work:
it can be done through specific planned events,
seminars, campaigns, websites, disseminated
documents, newspaper articles, media spots,
education in schools and workplaces, and through
any available publicity. Public awareness raising
activities shall be a part of the counselling of
inspection bodies, institutions and social partners.
27
The campaigns and similar awareness raising
activities shall be planned, including ensuring
appropriate financial sources.
Even though there are many bodies and actors
involved in OSH policies, awareness campaigns
on OSH are few in number. Even large enterprises
do not have workplace health and wellness
programmes to promote healthy workplaces.
Apart from ILO technical cooperation
activities,19and the WHO office in Tirana, which
organises and promotes individual issues
concerning OSH, and delivers information through
brochures and other promotional materials through
SILSS, other inspectorates have not carried
out any activity in this area. Meanwhile, there
has been no national or regional initiative from
governmental institutions or social partners, such
as employers organisations and trade unions, for
raising awareness for promoting safer and healthier
workplaces.
1.5. OSH education and research
Education policies have an important role to play
in terms of ensuring an adequate knowledge of,
and attitude towards, OSH for the youth generation
and, subsequently, a sufficient culture in the
labour force with regard to safety, which is crucial
for achieving standards of safety and health at
work. A culture of basic prevention develops from
childhood, from a young age, and, therefore, it
is important that the education system embeds a
basic understanding of occupational risks as a life
skill so that young people joining the workforce
are more risk aware. Currently, many countries are
implementing a whole-school approach, a holistic
and cross-cutting approach that brings together
education, accident prevention, occupational
safety and health, public health, and sustainable
19  http://www.ipa-hrd.al/index.php?option=com_
content&view=article&id=105:eu-osha-campaign-in-albania-
&catid=52:news1
28 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)
development.
The education system in Albania currently includes
some aspects of OSH in its curricula. The Faculty of
Medicine has a curriculum on occupational diseases
and focuses on pulmonary diseases caused by
exposure to hazards in the work places. Meanwhile,
some other curricula in the pre-university education
system in Albania are related to this issue, such
as Training for Life and the one taught in year 10:
Citizenship. There is no specialist university course
in the field of OSH from which labour inspectors
can be recruited. Usually, they are recruited from
other university courses. Meanwhile, the education
of health specialists in the field of OSH is ensured
within the framework of the programmes of the
Faculty of General Medicine and Public Health,
which contain many elements of environment and
health, including occupational health.
Training of SILSS employees engaged in OSH is
achieved mainly through programmes with joint
approval of the Ministry of Education and Sports,
and the Faculty of Medicine. The duration of this
programmeranges from 3–6 months.
All developed countries and many European and
international institutions focus their efforts also on
research in the area of OSH. These concentrate not
only on technical aspects, discovering new risks,
and developing new preventive and protective
solutions, but also on societal aspects and specific
conditions of labour. However, the impact of any
OSH research into workers’ safety and health will
depend on how research findings are translated
into practical and accessible workplace solutions.
This requires identification and evaluation of risks
and development of preventive solutions. National
research in the area of OSH should be focused on
the appropriate method of implementation of the
results of research across the world.
Currently, the literature on OSH research in
Albania is scarce,with a few exceptions, such
as the comprehensive research20 conducted for
elaboration of the Albania Report on Occupational
Safety and Health, carried out by the National
Association of Public Health (2010) and supported
by the European Commission. Other relevant
research studies have been carried out by IPH.
1.6. Social dialogue
Social dialogue is a tool that enables governments
and organisations of employers and employees
to manage change and achieve economic and
social goals. Social dialogue means negotiation,
consultation or simply an exchange of views
among representatives of employers, workers and
governments. Social dialogue is an important tool
for ensuring social peace. The main principles of
modern OSH are based on social dialogue between
employees and employers at the company level
by involvement of employees in OSH issues,
consultation and employers informing employees,
supported by obligations in the OSH Law. A good
example of functioning social dialogue is the
National Labour Council, which held meetings in
February, April and October 2015. However, work is
still needed to make collective bargaining possible
at all levels and to increase the autonomy and
capacity of social partners to negotiate collective
agreements.
With regard to collective agreements, trade unions
have expressed concern over the unwillingness
of state institutions to sign collective agreements.
Meanwhile, bipartite social dialogue and collective
bargaining in the private sector remain to be
fully accepted. At a national level there are two
large trade union confederations and a number
of employers’ organisations and these have been
invited to participate in the preparation of OSH
legislation.
With regard to OSH councils, OSH representatives
and consultation with employees, according to
20 http://web.deu.edu.tr/isamer/OHS_Albania.pdf

international standards and, particularly, the ILO
Guidelines on OSH Management Systems, 21
the employer should ensure an appropriate
establishment and efficient functioning of a safety
and health committee and the recognition of
workers’ safety and health representatives, in
accordance with national laws and practice.
In Albania there is a legal obligation for employers
with more than 50 employees to establish an OSH
council. This has happened to a certain extent in
the district of Tirana only with the close cooperation
of SILSS. However, the implementation of the legal
requirements is unsatisfactory. In the majority of
cases the establishment of an OSH council and
workers representatives is done merely nominally,
while there is no clear interpretation of the legal
requirements for nomination of employees’
representatives and the organisation in companies
with fewer than 50 employees.
1.7. Data collection, monitoring
and statistics
The OSH reporting system is based on the
legislative acts of MoSWY and MoH, which oblige
the declaring and recording of work accidents
and occupational diseases, the reporting of which
is carried out based upon an already approved
format.
Statistics on OSH are focused primarily on data and
information on accidents at work and occupational
diseases to thus be able to analyse the causes,
sources, most frequent risks, and most dangerous
sectors and work activities. The data are essential
for planning strategic prevention and adopting
appropriate measures. They are collected by labour
inspection on the basis of obligatory reports and by
social insurance on the basis of insurance claims for
injury compensations.
21  ILO Guidelines on OSH Management Systems (ILO-OSH
2001), ILO, Geneva
29
It is very difficult to obtain and report data on
occupational diseases for many reasons. For
instance, the information system of the MoH has
no special guidelines for occupational diseases.22
Other factors include lack of reporting, partial
coverage with health services at enterprises and
lack of specialist doctors for occupational diseases,
whilelack of bio-monitoring capacities ensures
accuracy is far from reality.
For example, in 2015, only 125 accidents at work
were reported to SILSS, including nine traffic
accidents. Of these 125 accidents, 28were fatal,
including two of the traffic accidents. These
figures are unrealistic, with low levels of reporting:
the average accident rate in the EU is 1.9 fatal
accidents per 100,000 employees while in Albania
the adjusted rate is 1.6. It is presumed that the real
number of fatal work accidents is higher.
There is an even bigger discrepancy in the number
of other accidents at work. The average rate in the
EU is 1.6 accidents per 100 employees, with sick
leave of more than three days per 100 employees.
Applying this rate for Albania is equivalent to
16,000 accidents registered at work;128 times the
reported number. The methodology for reporting
workplace accidents in Europe is that of the European
Statistics of Accidents at Work (ESAW), which is not
used in Albania. Due to deficiencies in statistics any
trends or forecasts are impossible to perform.
1.8. Implementation of OSH rules
1.8.1. Implementation of the strategic OSH
Policy Document,2009–2013
The first systematic policy document for improving
Occupational Safety and Health in Albania was
developed and adopted by government in 2009.
The Strategic Policy Document on Occupational
22  Kodra, Q., A. Hoxha, O. Risilia. 2010. Albania—Situation on
Occupational Safety and Health, Tirana, a publication of the
National Association of Public Health
30 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)
Safety and Health 2009–2013 opened the way for
the development of OSH and the implementation
of OSH standards. The accompanying Action Plan
included designated measures and required actions,
which had to be realised for achieving the identified
objectives. The policy document also included
measures for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) by
establishment of a cross-ministerial group and its
technical secretariat at the Ministry of Labour. Line
institutions had to report every three months on how
the tasks of the Action Plan were implemented. The
organisation of the M&E was not implemented.
Final monitoring and evaluation of the Strategy
Policy Document and its Action Plan was carried out
in January 2013 through the use of questionnaires
prepared by the working group for developing a
new Action Plan on OSH policies, with the main
findings reported in Table 1.
Labour inspection indicators:
• 13,000 planned and specialised inspections for
2013; this figure was exceeded:14,507.
• 190 planned number of inspectors trained by
2013; the number trained in 2012 was 120.
• In addition, in 2013, a total of 28 inspectors
were trained as future trainers, in six trainings
on various OSH topics.
Improvements in technology in SILSS inspection
offices (headquarters and regional directorates)
were planned until the end of 2013. However, only
small improvements in IT software were made, with
the situation really improving at the beginning of
2014. The central inspectorate has provided 130
portable inspection kits for labour inspectors, and
has started with pilot implementation of the newly
developed information system.
A brief analysis of Table 1 shows that out of the 25
actions included in the former Policy Document
and Action Plan on OSH designed for the period
2009–2013, only eleven actions have been
fully implemented (until 2015), with five actions
remaining to be started. Nine actions have been
only partly implemented for various reasons.
Detailed information on the reasons why the actions
foreseen in the action plan have been only partly
implemented or not implemented at all can be
found in Annex B. Despite the progress made in
transposing a great part of the EU OSH directives,
some parts of the legislation have been transposed
only either partially, or not at all.
In addition to the above-mentioned policies on
OSH, MoSWY, MoH and other line ministries have
already planned and set specific deadlines on
implementing several OSH directives and other
related policy documents for the 2016–2018 period
(Annex C).
1.8.2. Implementation of OSH policies
The OSH Law adopted in February 2010, and which
has transposed the European OSH Framework
Directive, introduced for the first time the principles
of risk assessment and risk prevention, as well as
workers involvement in OSH matters. However,
there is a common perception that OSH rules
provided for in the law and bylegal acts are not
effectively and properly implemented in Albania.
Furthermore, one of the major obstacles for
practical implementation of OSH rules in the
country is a lack of specialists in safety engineering
and occupational medicine in public and private
enterprises.
In terms of institutional capacity building and
job stability of labour inspectors, from the very
beginning their institution has constantly been
subject to relatively high levels of staff turnover,
including of labour inspectors and senior
management staff. The last legal amendments
setting up the Central Inspectorate as the central
coordinating body also gives labour inspectors
the status of civil servants, and introduces other
organisational changes. This is expected to reduce
the high level of staff turnover among labour
inspectors, and ultimately improve their job stability
and the sustainability of capacity building efforts
within this institution.
Generally, there is a widespread public
perception of high levels of corruption in the
 31

Table 1: Assessment of implementation of the OSH Policy Document,

2009–2015
Implemented Partly implemented Not implemented

OSH Legislation

A law on Safety and Health at Work, based on the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC, was adopted in 2010.

Amendments to the current legislation reflecting the objectives of the Strategic Policies document. There were several amendments
to regulations adopted in the implementation period. A broad revision of the Labour Code has been prepared.

Drafting and adoption of secondary legislation, transposition of Individual OSH Directives. Two DCMs were adopted in 2011, three
DCMs in 2013, five in 2014,as well as regulations being drafted and passing the legislation process.

Change in the law on public procurement for inclusion of IPH in the tendering process.

Creation of a cross-ministerial committee for coordination of work of all inspection authorities. This task was fulfilled by establishment
of the Central Inspectorate.

Change in the structure of IPH in accordance with the objectives of the OSH Strategy. This was fulfilled by adoption of amendment to
Law No. 24, dated 14.02.2013, ‘On Labour Inspection’.

Creation and activation of an IPH website focused on OSH. The website was established and maintained at IPH (www.sli.go.al) and
upgraded as www.inspektoriatipunes.gov.al

Functioning of a coherent inspection system. Provision of office space for the whole State Labour Inspectorate at central and regional
levels, reconstructions and purchase of new premises.

Completion of infrastructure for all IPH regional directorates with vehicles, logistical equipment: PCs, desks, telephone, fax, etc.

Development of appropriate training programmes and structures for training of labour inspectors and controllers. The system of
training of trainers and subsequent training of inspectors has been adopted. The training programme is partly completed.

Ensure creation of a system for informing and communicating with all interested parties about the work of the labour inspectorate by
making use of computer facilities. Communication strategy is in development as is information system and equipping inspectors with
laptops.

Organisation of study tours to exchange best experiences and practices in regional and EU member countries. Study visit to Austria
was undertaken in March 2014, bilateral agreements on cooperation with regional neighbouring inspectorates were made, and
regional meeting washeld in June 2014.

Development of a genuine prevention culture

Creation of a core group of qualified experts for specialised inspections and investigation of serious accidents. Similar expert groups
have been created ad hoc for the need and focus of inspection performance.

Advice and information; provision of counselling as necessary means for developing a prevention culture.

Inclusion in the curricula of various educational system levels of concepts related to occupational safety and health.

Publishing leaflets, posters, brochures etc. Several campaigns were implemented from 2012–2014.

Participation of IPH representatives in international seminars, conferences, workshops, etc.

Setting the month of October every year as the month of OSH. Holding a national meeting involving various state institutions, social
stakeholders, and foreign, regional and domestic experts.

Awareness raising campaigns to encourage citizens in cooperation with public media. Four campaigns were implemented during the
period 2010–2014.

Written and televised media (publicity spots, talk shows, written articles,etc.). Sufficient activities are continuously performed.

Provision of a phone line for the public to gather complaints and suggestions from employers and employees.

Anticipating the drafting of secondary legislation that regulates legal relationship between IPH and state institutions.

Efficient functioning of an occupational medical service. Establishment of specialisation for Labour Physician at the University of Medicine.

Creation of Labour Health Centres (private) as organisations of various employers.

Qualification and training of Labour Physicians.

32 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)
Figure 1. Numbers of accidents and fatal accidents at work, 2013–15
Non-Fatal accidents at work Fatal accidents at work
2013 2014
89 88
33
public administration in Albania. International
Transparency(anon-profit organisation acting
worldwide) publishes annually a Corruption
Perceptions Index. For 2015, despite the country
having improved 22 positions in just one year—
from 110 in 2014 to 88 in 2015—Albaniastill
occupies a low-ranking position. Labour inspectors
have received a series of trainings (training of
trainers), with the support of the ILO–EU IPA 2010
project on Human Resources Development and
from other international organisations in Albania,
on the enacted OSH Law and, more importantly, on
the very recently adopted OSH regulations, which
transpose the EU OSH individual directives.
With regard to the numbers of labour inspections,
during 2015 there were 7,627 inspections23
conducted in private and state entities, of which
6,118 (80.2%) were planned, 308 (4.0%) followed
complaints, 121 (1.5%) followed accidents at work,
324 (4.2%) were during a second or third shift, and
35 (0.4%) took place on days off. The number of
entities sanctioned as a result of these inspections
in 2015 was 122(1.6% of the total).
The basic problem for labour inspection is a lack
23  SILSS Annual Activity Report 2015, Tirana, Albania
2015
97
25
of financial resources for covering all inspection
activities. Inspectors have very limited financial
resources for travel to sites that have to be
inspected. They have limited per diem expenses
and have insufficient tools at their disposal,
though, at the beginning of 2014, they had been
equipped with laptops from the information system
project managed by the Central Inspectorate. In
most cases, regional offices were insufficiently
equipped,e.g. without photocopiers, telephones,
vehicles, photo or video cameras. Finally, although
the funds and essential equipment allocated to
labour inspectors are critical elements for better
performance, the effectiveness and efficiency of the
performance itself is also a matter of concern.
Often the issue of the number of inspectors is
raised. On the one hand more inspectors are
needed to ensure at least one inspection visit
every five years for each subject, while on the
other comparison with other labour inspections in
Europe indicates a positive situation in this regard
in Albania. The average ratio in the EU is one
inspector per 10,000 employees. In Albania, the
ratio is about one per 8,000 registered employees.
Despite such constraints, over the last year labour
inspection visits increased in terms of the number
and the means at the inspectors’ disposal. As

Figure 2. Inspections Performance
(Source: SILSS Annual Activity Report 2015)
Inspections
upon complaints
308
Inspections
during off-days
35
Planned Inspections
6118
with previous years, it was found that the level of
implementation of the OSH legal requirements—
namely the2010 OSH Law requirements—is far
from satisfactory. Of the 7,627 subjects inspected
in 2015, only 843 had an employee responsible
for OSH policies. Given that 219 subjects have
an OSH coordinator, this responsibility is usually
subcontracted out. In addition, 562 subjects had
a representative of the OSH Council, while 2,957
inspected subjects had established a First Aid
service, with some 12,184 workers trained in First
Aid.
Thus, during 2015, risk assessment, among others,
was very rarely conducted in the workplace (only
11.5% of entities inspected carry out such an
assessment). Unfortunately, even where such
requirements are fulfilled they are merely formally
carried out with no practical influence on OSH
practices. Collective and individual protective
measures were applied in only 8.6 per cent of
inspected entities. Similarly there are very low
levels of establishment of OSH councils and
appointment of employees’ safety representatives
in the enterprise, while external specialised
protection and prevention services are almost
non-existent, with only 2.2 per cent of inspected
entities reporting that practice. Fire protection
and evacuation arrangements are missing in most
33
Inspections following
accidents at work
121
Inspections during the
second or third shift
324
workplaces, being found only in 34 per cent and
16 per cent of cases, respectively. Safety signs
are installed in only 33 per cent of all inspected
workplaces.
As noted above, inspectors assessed 125 accidents
at work in 2015. The largest number(33) of the
reported accidents occurred in the mines and
quarries sector, where the main reasons given were
collapse of material, mine explosions and failure
to comply with the technical safety rules. In most
accidents the main identified causes included
failure to take collective protective measures, failure
of the employer to provide personal protective
equipment, or even where provided failure of the
employees to use it at work, use of machinery by
unlicensed employees, or failure to comply with the
technical safety rules.
There has been improvement in terms of
the presence of medical services. In 2015,
1,327subjects (compared to 1,187 in 2014) had an
operational medical service.This has,in turn, been
reflected in a slight decrease in the number of
identified workers with occupational diseases: 1,123
workers reported in 2015 compared with 1,853 in
2014. According to SILSS the most likely reason for
this reduction is the increased presence of medical
services in Albanian enterprises.
34 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)
Despite the fact that some improvements were
recorded from 2014 to 2015 the number of work
accidents remained unacceptably high (Figure 1).
In 2014, 121 work accidents (of which 33 were fatal)
were reported, compared to 89 in 2013. In 2015,
125 accidents (with 28 fatalities) were reported. The
average age of workers involved in the accidents
was 43 years.
The low level of implementation of OSH rules in
practice is affected by several factors, the most
important of which include the following:
• low legal awareness, incorrect behaviour and
attitudes, sometimes even lack of information
and knowledge among employers, but also
among workers;
• low levels of awareness of OSH issues among
both the ordinary public and the policy makers;
• large number of small and medium enterprises
outside of the health insurance coverage
scheme, with unknown working conditions and
application of OSH policies;
• inadequate enforcement system of OSH
legislation by government and enforcement
agencies;
• high level of unemployment demotivating
workers from pushing for better working
conditions;
• no incentive mechanisms to reward employees
who comply with OSH rules and policies;
• absence of OSH specialists and OSH services,
due to the absence of certification and
authorisation;
• missing guidelines, requirements and technical
OSH regulations on safety procedures and
safety solutions;
• unknown and unused safety management
systems;
• lack of consultation and involvement of
employees in OSH issues;
• non-existence of occupational health services
(national, regional, local);
• scarce training opportunities and
specialisations.
1.9. Challenges to be addressed
National regulatory framework
Albania has ratified and transposed a great number of
ILO–WHO–EU conventions that directly relate to OSH.
In addition, the country has developed many national
laws and established several inspection services that
are directly or indirectly involved in implementing OSH
policies and activities. The majority of these decisions are
in conformity with the EU directives on OSH.
Nevertheless, such laws and inspectorate bodies
overlap in the management of safety and health at
work in the country. Even though they deal with issues
of safety and health, they influence OSH policies with
a particular bias. Often the monitoring by different
inspectorates is undertaken independently of each
other, with OSH policies monitored based on the
mandates and the scope of work of the respective
inspectorate. Therefore, it is recommended that
proper collaboration of the various inspectorates and
enforcing agencies must be established so that safety
and health can be properly addressed and decent
working conditions created, avoiding overlapping of
competences.
Very many laws, DCM sand ratified international
conventions are in place, but it is obvious that there
is a lack of information and awareness among the
ordinary public, employees, employers and other
parties on their existence and implementation, and
on human rights. Thus, promotional campaigns
and means for increasing awareness of the viable
international conventions and national laws on OSH
should be developed to address the different strata of
society. Along the same lines, seminars and trainings
with regards to practical implementation of the
conventions and directives for the public and private
institutions should be periodically organised.
Most importantly, simplifying the existing legislation
where appropriate to eliminate unnecessary
administrative burdens, while preserving an
appropriate protection for workers’ safety and health
and researching the degree of approximation of
the Albanian legislation to the European and ILO
international standards—their acceptability and

feasibility—should be carried out. This would help
Albania develop and implement tailored programmes
and policies on OSH.
OSH services
Notwithstanding the progress made in
implementation of OSH policies, the institutional
setting and infrastructure, OSH rules are not
effectively and properly implemented in Albania.
An evaluation of the Strategic Policy Document on
Occupational Safety and Health24 (2009–2013) shows
that some labour inspection indicators have not been
achieved or fully implemented.
The sector faces a number of problems and
challenges, mostly related to inadequately resourced
enforcement agencies, and a lack of knowledge,
understanding and motivation of both employees
and employers to apply OSH polices. Improvement in
OSH policies and their implementation in real practice
requires not only the introduction of EU legislation,
but also, more importantly, its authentic application in
economic establishments. It is also critical to provide
practical support to small and micro enterprises to
help them comply better with safety and health rules.
Businesses would benefit from technical assistance
and practical tools, while the level of enforcement by
SILSS would improve through the evaluation of the
performance of national labour inspectorates.
National OSH information management system
The main OSH management challenge that needs
to be addressed is improvement of statistical data
collection to gain better evidence and develop
monitoring tools.The OSH system lacks data
collection and reporting, and leads to unrealistic
and inaccurate data, due to: i) limited access to
documentation on accidents, occupational diseases
and fatalities, ii) OSH institutions lacking human
resources and structures, and being inadequately
resourced financially, technically and with M&E tools,
and iii) limited research capacity and knowledge
24  Evaluation of the strategy policies document and its action
plan was done through questionnaires in January 2013 by
the working group for development of a new Action Plan of
Policies on Occupational Health and Safety 2015–2020
35
exchange with national and international partners and
stakeholders.
OSH education and research
Both education and research into OSH issuesare
lacking in Albania. The Faculty of Medicine teaches
students based on two curricula designed for
graduating students with regard to occupational
diseases. Students are mainly introduced to the
policies followed by the Albanian government with
regard to OSH, implementation mechanismsand the
practices and experiences of EU countries on this
issue. Other than that there is no training whatsoever.
Little attention has been placed on OSH research,
where the majority of work has focused on developing
policies and documents, and not on evaluation of
the acceptability and feasibility of OSH policies.
Therefore, carrying out various research and
evaluations would help improve OSH policies and
safety and health at work.
Public awareness and OSH promotion
Even though many bodies are directly responsible and
involved in OSH practices, there is no coordination
body to document and disseminate information on
OSH. Meanwhile, various institutions that deal with
OSH issues have and provide information in different
forms, mostly based on their mandate and scope of
work, while promotion of safety and health at work is
often diminished. It is highly recommended that an
OSH information centre be established to coordinate
documentation and information on OSH issues.
Social dialogue and stakeholders’
collaboration
Even though there are many stakeholders involved
in OSH issues, there is lack of social dialogue and
collaboration among the different stakeholders.
There is also little collaboration over the promotion
of safety and health at work, as different authorities
enforce different national legislation and regulations
and promote safety and health in their own area
of specialisation. There is little effort to establish
collaboration systems and infrastructure for promoting
a preventative culture of safety and health at work in
Albania.
36 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Chapter 2
Vision and
Strategic Priorities
2
37

General goal

The general goal of this document is to guide

the country in applying a systematic and
well-coordinated approach in administering
occupational safety and health services and creating
sustainable decent working condition and a
continual reduction in the incidence of work-related
fatalities, with a reduction of at least 3–5 per cent
annually over the next five years, ending up with a
reduction of ten per cent in 2020.

An important part of this document is that all line

ministries and government agencies will collaborate
with one another and co-ordinate their intervention
activities. They will also work effectively with
employers, employees, union organisations, trade
unions, and other key stakeholders. This will ensure
The Vision: that government resources are not only used to
best effect and help reduce compliance costs to
“Decent, safe business, but also ensure a sustainable coordination
leadership.

and healthy To achieve decent working conditions for more

working productivity and less informality in Albania, three

key pillars are identified in this document along with

conditions their strategic priorities, goals, expected outcomes

and specific indicators.

for more The three pillars envisaged are as follows:

productivity
Pillar A: Improvement of labour protection with
effective OSH policies and legal framework
Pillar B: Creation of decent working conditions and
and less safer and healthier workplaces
Pillar C: Establishment of transparent and effective
informality in OSH system and institutions.

Albania” Each pillar has its own strategic priority and general
outcome indicator that are explained in detail in
Chapter 3, by targets, goals, specific objectives and
respective indicators.
38 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)
Pillar A: Improvement of labour
protection with effective OSH policies
and legal framework
The situation regarding OSH policies in Albania
has been improving over the years. However
implementation in real practice is not at the
desired level. Improving labour protection requires
development of OSH policies and documents and
establishes sustainable legal frameworks that are
not only aligned with EU–ILO–WHO standards,
but also coherent, acceptable and feasible to
implement in the country.
There are many OSH laws, directives and policy
documents that have yet to be implemented,are only
partially implemented or need comprehensive revision
based upon the country’s socio-economic and political
context. On the other hand, even though Albania is
keen to develop documents aligned with international
standards, there is no coordination or specialised
body for OSH policies that will act as an advisory
group for design of policy and implementation or for
the activities anticipated in this document.
Moreover, even though these documents can
be developed, their implementation in practice
requires an effective OSH inspection and
management system. Such a system should be
developed not just to trace targets for labour
inspections or repletion of OSH rules, but rather
to be a multi-functional system able to collect
and analyse data, record the number of incidents,
accidents and occupational diseases, and provide
these data accurately and timely.
All the above-mentioned activities require
sufficiently resourced services with a professionally
skilled and trained staff and a clear monitoring and
evaluation plan.
To address these problems activities under Pillar
A aim to strengthen OSH policies and legal
framework by developing tailored OSH policies
aligned to EU and other international standards,
followed by an OSH inspection and management
system.
Strategic Priority 1: Develop OSH policies
and legal framework in compliance with
EU and international labour standards
Targets for 2020:
• 100% of the actions included in the OSH
Action Plan are fully implemented, reported
and assessed by the final evaluation.
• 100% of OSH regulatory framework is drafted
and fully implemented. Seven OSH regulations
in total are transposed and implemented.
• One annual report (five in total) is prepared and
published, based on quality and reliable OSH
statistical information gathered through Labour
Inspections’ Information and Management System.
Pillar B: Creation of decent working
conditions and safer and healthier
workplaces
Guaranteeing the safety and health of workers
has a positive impact on the country as a whole,
increasing productivity, encouraging investments
and the creation of job opportunities, and
improving job morale and satisfaction amongst
employees, thereby creating industrial harmony.
The economic market in Albania has changed
rapidly over the last two decades; from a very
centralised and industrialised economy with a
large number of workers to thousands of small
and medium enterprises. The majority of these
enterprises are new with a small number of workers,
while managers are mostly investing in improving
technology with only a few investing to improve the
working conditions of their employees. Meanwhile,
the benefits from investing in decent and safer and
healthier workplaces are either not fully understand
or neglected by employees and employers. This
situation explains the high number of work-related
accidents, including fatal ones, as well as high rates
of occupational diseases frequently reported by the
Labour Inspectorate, since there is scarce reporting
by the Institute of Public Health.
In the interest of ensuring the protection of workers
from work-related injuries and illnesses, as well
as preventing accidents at work, developing

legal documents and infrastructure for creation of
favourable working conditions and their adjustment
to employers and employees needs is crucial to
increasing the motivation of both parties (employers
and employees) to comply with the regulations,
thereby contributing to higher efficiency at work.
The activities planned under Pillar B aim to promote
decent and safer working conditions and strengthen
the OSH preventative measures and risk practices.
This will be achieved through enabling decent
forms of work and workers rights by initially carrying
out health impact assessment studies, developing
monitoring mechanisms and tools and building the
capacity of managers to introduce OSH practices into
the workplace and ensure a user-friendly workplace
environment. Some activities are planned that aim
to strengthen the OSH network,while several aim to
develop an effective system for managing the body of
knowledge on a preventive culture and promotion of
occupational safety and health.
Strategic Priority 2:Promote decent work
conditions through strengthening the
tripartite social dialogue that enables OSH
preventive measures and safer workplaces
Targets for 2020:
• Life expectancy is extended by three years.
• 10% reduction in the total number of accidents
at work.
• 20% reduction in the total number of
occupational diseases registered.
• 10% reductionin number of work days lost
due to absence of employees from work in
the reference week due to illness, injury or
temporary disability.
• 10% reduction in the number of employees
developing a long-lasting health problem or
disability by occupational class morbidity.
• ESAW and European Survey on Occupational
Diseases (ESOD) indicators used as the main
statistical data for reporting on OSH policies.
Pillar C: Establishment of transparent
and effective OSH system and institutions
Despite the progress made with the legislation,
the state is also in charge of ensuring practical
39
implementation of the legal requirements. This
is made possible through the inspection system.
Personnel, resources and skills for implementation
of effective prevention strategies have been
insufficient. Legal and inspection systems are to
be completed with other instruments that will
contribute towards sustainable maintenance of
good standards and towards OSH improvement.
There is a lack of a general framework for OSH
initiatives to be taken in a coordinated way and to
be well-funded. This requires permanent activity
and support from the state, state institutions and
social partners. This situation has led to undeclared
labour and informality and reduced motivation and
ability of employers to manage OSH risk effectively.
Activities under Pillar C aim to establish
transparency and effectiveness of the OSH system
and institutions and will be focused on reducing
undeclared labour and informality by first carrying
out an assessment of informality and undeclared
work, creating an inter-ministerial task force,
and developing proper monitoring mechanisms.
Other activities under this pillar will aim to expand
the recognition of inspection services and build
motivation and ability of employees to manage OSH
risks effectively. Several activities, such as tailored
trainings to strengthen social dialogues and enhance
international cooperation, will be carried out.
Strategic Priority 3: Develop transparent
and effective governance of the OSH system
and institutions, based on strengthened
inspection services, to reduce incidents
and severe risks, occupational diseases and
labour law violations
Targets for 2020:
• Increase in labour productivity by two
percentage points.
• Reduction in the country’s informal economy by
five percentage points.
• 25% increase in the number of businesses
operating in compliance with OSH regulations.
• 5% of total health expenditure related to OSH
practices in private business.
40 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Chapter 3
Policy
Objectives
 3
41

The first pillar (A) strategic priority is to improve

labour protection with effective OSH policies and
legal framework by promoting labour protection
and supporting reinforcement and implementation
of key OSH instruments. It has three major
objectives beginning with the development of
acceptable and feasible OSH policies, in line with
EU and other recognised international standards,
and the development of an effective OSH
management system.

The foreseen activities (4) planned under objective

1.1 (Develop coherent, acceptable and feasible
OSH policies and strategic documents)are mostly
related to reviewing the existing OSH policies,
their implementation status and needs assessment
analyses, as well as research into future trends and
Three strategic needs in the field of occupational safety and health
at the country level and beyond. Another important
priorities have set of activities are the establishment of a high level
mechanism and body that will serve as an advisory

been set for this group on OSH policy design and implementation,
overseeing future actions on OSH policies and

document, and activities.

are followed Activities (11) under objective 1.2 (Create a

comprehensive and fully EU and international

by specific aligned legal framework in OSH area with the

participation of social partners) focus mainly on

outcomes,
completion of the transposition process of the
EUOSH directives, guidelines and conventions and
improvements to the legal framework governing
target OSH policies and its practical implementation.
Improving policies on undeclared work, addressing
indicators, their child labour, sexual exploitation and gender-based
discrimination in the workplace are also covered

objectives and under these sets of activities.

activities Activities (5) for the last objective (1.3. Develop

an effective OSH inspection and management
system) are foreseen to develop standards for an
effective OSH inspection and management system,
starting from developing a proper OSH and Labour
Inspection Information and Management System
for SILSS and IPH (based on ESAW), enabling
timely and accurate annual data collection and
42 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)
POLICY OBJECTIVES
PILLAR B
Create decent working
conditionsand safer and
healthier workplaces
2.1 Establish decent forms of work and workers’ rights.
Carry out a health impact assessment of working
conditions and current practices at workplace as a
baseline study in the OSH field.
Organization of trainings of entities/businesses’
managers to effectively introduce OSH practices and
systems in the respective companies in micro, small
and medium enterprises.
Organization of trainings of entities/businesses’
managers to effectively introduce OSH practices and
systems particularly in high-risk industries/economic
sectors (construction and mining).
2.2 Reduce work-related fatalities and injuries and occupational diseases.
Development of practical guidance and tools to improve
procedures for compulsory reporting of accidents at work
to insurance schemes, enabling the cross-links with the
data processing by the statistical office according to EU
standards, and harmonized regular reporting.
Development of practical guidance and tools to
support the systematic and effective management of
OSH in micro, small and medium enterprises.
Elaboration of a plan to promote smoke and alcohol
free work places, based on policy and strategic
documents in the health sector.
Design of an intervention plan to remove all types of
Asbestos from work premises and work places in
public institutions until 2020.
Elaboration of a technical guideline to promote the
collaboration between ministries in line and local
government units on prevention of pesticide
poisoning and incorporation of occupational health
measures into good agricultural practices.
Organization of compulsory and accredited short-term
trainings by the National Education Centre in
continuation for health service providers in
enterprises.
Development of a guideline to promote the
improvement of OSH policies for large enterprises and
to strengthen employees’ health surveillance.

Improving labour protection
with effective OSH Policies
and Legal Framework
Create a comprehensive and fully EU and
international aligned legal framework in OSH
area with the participation of social partners.
Completion of the transposition of other EU OSH
directives not related to the Framework Directive, such
as: on “Protection from asbestos at work”, on
“Working time for special groups of workers”, and on
“Prevention from sharp injuries in the hospital and
healthcare sector”, as well of the Seveso II Directive on
the “Control of major-accident hazards”.
Completion of the transposition process of other EU
directives on technical safety standards for products
and their placing into the market, which are also
related to OSH protection.
Elaboration of non-binding guidelines which will serve
for the proper implementation of regulations
transposing the EU Directives on OSH.
Completion of the ratification process of the ILO
Conventions, such as the Convention on Work on
Fishing, OSH in Agriculture, and the ones concerning
working conditions in hotels and restaurants, Chemicals,
Asbestos, and Occupational Health Services.
Analysis of sector laws and undertaking legal
amendments to clarify the division of competences on
OSH enforcement at the workplace by the State
Inspectorate for Labour and Social Services (SILSS),
Mine Inspection, State Health Inspectorate and other
existing inspection bodies.
Analysis of the OSH law to identify the areas where
by-laws are required for the full implementation of the
requirements contained therein (i.e. the ones related to
the extension of requirements with regard to the
procedures for the authorization of external prevention
services, education and certification of OSH specialists
2.3
Develop and strengthen OSH network to enhance social dialogue and influence occupational safety and health outcomes.
Empowerment of the role of the OSH Commission of
the National Labour Council of Albania by bringing
OSH topics as one of the priorities on the agenda.
Organization of meetings to ensure active participation
by employers and workers’ organizations in the
development and implementation of actions to
promote workers’ safety and health.
Organization of meetings to strengthen the capacity of trade
PILLAR A
1.1
1.2
1.3
and authorization of OSH services, missing rules
on workers’ representatives and OSH council
Analysis of the Labour Inspection Law in order
to improve the legal framework governing
undeclared labor related to declaration of
employees, aiming to better protect them.
Adoption of the legal framework on
occupational health, to regulate health
surveillance and promotion procedures,
periodical health examinations, health services
in enterprises, and standardization of data
collection and reporting procedures in line with
international standards.
Development of a normative act in order to
define clearer legal requirements for nominating
workers’ representatives and their organization in
companies with less than 50 employees.
Development of a normative act in order to
define clear legal requirements in terms of
access to work of persons with disabilities,
according to the ILO/WHO recommendations.
Amendment of the Labour Code to address
child labour, sexual exploitation and gender-
based discrimination at the workplace.
unions to represent the legitimate interests of the workers
on OSH practices and systems to be implemented at
both public and private institutions/enterprises.
Delivery of training to social partners’ representatives
(employers’ and workers’ organizations) on OSH topics
according to the results of a prior training needs analysis.
Assisting to re-establishment of the Councils for Safety
and Health at Work in medium and large-size private
43
Conduction of a comprehensive revision of existing
OSH policies and analysis of the needed amendments
to the current legislation in Albania, in order to repeal
incoherent OSH rules in different legal acts, which are
hindering its practical implementation.
Analysis of the needed amendments to the current
legislation reflecting the objectives of OSH Policy
document, in order to prepare its effective implementation.
Conduction of scientific research/studies on current
situation, future trends and needs in the field of
occupational safety and health, at the country level, as
well as comparative regional studies in the SEE region.
Development of a monitoring and evaluation plan for
ensuring that this plan is adequately implemented,
identifying the needed resources to be allocated by
year and institutions at central and regional levels.
Develop coherent, acceptable and feasible OSH
policies and strategic documents.
Develop an effective OSH inspection and
management system.
Developing a working paper to improve the OSH and
Labour Inspection Information and Management
System for the SILSS based on the European Statistics
of Accidents at Work (ESAW) enabling timely and
accurate annual data collection and recording on the
number of incidents and accidents at work, occupation-
al diseases, lost-time injury frequency rates, number of
hazard inspections, disaggregated by region, economic
sector, company size, and linked to the e-Inspection
web Portal, managed by the Central Inspectorate.
Designing of institutional performance indicators (at
central and regional levels) and respective targets for
labour inspections and occupational health and safety,
establishing measurement mechanisms to track
progress and achievement of results.
Developing standards for hiring, maintaining, and
training of inspectorate inspection bodies especially
those of SILSS and SHI in relation to OSH according to
the standards of ILO and WHO.
Developing training curricula and training of OSH
inspectorate employees, such as the SHI and SILSS on
the systematic reporting and statistical analysis of
reported accidents at work and occupational diseases.
Improvement of the statistical documentations related
to OSH and their annual evaluation as per ILO and
WHO models.
Elaboration and publishing of regular reports on OSH
and Labour Inspection data, collected for public
dissemination, policy-making and monitoring purposes.
companies, including the proper election of workers’
representatives and ensuring their appropriate training.
Enable the regular representation and participation of
Albanian social partners in the OSH related events
organized by international institutions such as the EU
OSH Agency, ILO, WHO.
Observation of the World Day for Safety and Health at
Work annually.
44 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

PILLAR C
Establishing transparent and
effective OSH system and
institutions.

3.1 Reduce undeclared labour and informality through

better policies implementation and more effective
inspection services.
Carrying out of an assessment of informality and
undeclared work in Albania, within the Western
Balkans countries.
3.3
Ensuring the adequate number of staff of the 
responsible unit for OSH policies at MoSWY and build
the needed capacities according to the tasks Build motivation and ability to employers to manage OSH
attributed, through continuous training in relevant risks effectively and of workers to promote safer workplaces
OSH areas. and participate in OSH consultations.

Encouragement of the involvement of union
representatives and senior management
representatives in each inspection visit.
Carry out OSH risk assessment activities by employers
and workers and/or bilateral OSH committee
activities.
Coordination and exchange of information among
public institutions and business operators, particularly
with specific agencies, such as NFA, Environment
protection, National Employment Service, etc.
Organization of study tours by the government for the business
operators based on best performance of OSH policies.
Establishment of the award for CEO of the Year in the OSH field.
Definition of OSH awareness training as compulsory one for all
workers with regular updating courses for all staff on a yearly basis.
Inclusion of OSH requirements in any contract for the purchase of
goods or services, employment offers and collective labour
agreements.

Development of a risk model for respective inspectors

and develop a coordination mechanism with Tax
Inspection’s Inspectors.

3.2

3.4
Expand recognition and increase
knowledge on employment and skills Enhance international cooperation to increase the
to reduce the labour law violations in influence of our country to upgrade OSH policies at
regards to OSH. European level

Elaboration of guidelines, information, Strengthening the participation of Albanian public and

instructions, trainings and supervision private institutions in EU-OSH Agency activities, through its
necessary to enable employees to perform National Focal Point, as a way of getting closer to EU
their work in a safer manner and with fewer guidelines and standards.
risks to their health.
Participation in OSH events, in the framework of international
Organization of training courses for all the networks of cooperation, such as the ones under the EU,
public administration personnel every WHO or ILO umbrella for cooperation.
year in order to raise their awareness in Promotion of joint activities within the Regional network of
the OSH area. cooperation of Labour Inspectorates in SEE countries.
Development of specific
competency-based training packages for Participation of SILSS representatives in international
workers involved in hazardous situations activities, through becoming an observer of the Senior
on a regular basis. Labour Inspectors Committee (SLIC), and a member of the
International Association of Labour inspectorate (IALI).

2.4

Develop an effective system for managing body of knowledge about preventive culture and for promoting occupational safety and health.

Organization of a short-term (3 months) course
on OSH for family physicians and/or doctors
specialized in internal medicine and doctors of
other specialties to be defined in the future.
Creation of a specialization (4 years) and
developing full curricula in occupational medicine.
Organization of periodic training of academic
staff on clinical part of occupational diseases by
international experts.
Development of training curricula (university and
post -university degree) on safety engineering.
Training of IPH (Institute of Public Health)
staff and of specialists in the
environmental health area in RHD/PHD,
SILSS and SHI as well as develop training
curricula on occupation risks, legal
frameworks, compensations, work hygiene
requirements, etc.
 45

A+B+C
Pillar A aims to improve
labour protection with
effective OSH policies and
Pillar B aims to create
decent working
conditions and safer
Pillar C aims to establish
transparency and
effectiveness of the OSH
legal framework by and healthy workplaces system and institutions by
promoting labour by improving the strengthening capacities
protection and supporting capacity of business for transparent
reinforcement and operators and workers governance and effective
implementation of key to manage OSH implementation of OSH
OSH instruments. effectively. policies.

EFFECTIVE

Implementation of the recommendations on OSH Organization of the OSH week every year with a full set
included in the Communication Guidelines prepared of activities dedicated to promote OSH policies, best
by SILSS in 2014, with EU-ILO technical assistance. practices and social dialogue.

Carry out promotional activities to present the country Implementation of evidence-based Projects/Initiatives
profile based on the European Study on Enterprises, to improve OSH information and networking and
following the EU-OSHA agenda. replicate this model at country level.
46 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)
recording on the number of incidents and accidents
at work and occupational diseases, and developing
a proper mechanism for hiring and training
inspectors.The activities also include elaboration
and publishing of regular reports on OSH and
Labour Inspection data for public dissemination,
policy making and monitoring purposes.Objectives
and activities have a set of indicators that will serve
as the basis for an M&E plan as well.
Pillar B aims to create decent working conditions
and safer and healthy workplaces by improving
the capacity of business operators and workers to
manage OSH effectively.
Activities (6) foreseen for objective 2.1 (Promote
decent forms of work and worker’s rights) include
a health impact assessment of working conditions
and current practices on employees, followed by
development of medical surveillance mechanisms,
and elaboration of plans to promote smoke-free
workplaces, reduce alcohol and drug use and
remove all type of asbestos from public buildingsby
2020. Including OSH policies in the agriculture
sector are also planned. Activities to build
capacities of managers to effectively manage and
apply OSH policies are also foreseen.
Foreseen activities (4) under objective 2.2 (Reduce
work-related fatalities and injuries and occupational
diseases) are mainly related to improving and
harmonising procedures for compulsory reporting
(including micro, small and medium enterprises) of
accidents at work to the insurance scheme, based
on EU standards. Development of an effective
and comprehensive system on implementation of
Occupational Health Services and enforcement
mechanisms are also included into these set of
activities. Strengthening the partnership of state
institutions on OSH and the agenda, as well as
trade unions and active participation of employers
and workers’ organisations in the development and
implementation of actions to promote workers’
safety and health are the main activities under this
objective.
The group of activities (7) under objective 2.3
(Develop and strengthen OSH network to enhance
social dialogue and influence OSH outcomes) aim
to empower the role of the OSH committee of the NLC
and strengthen the capacity of workers and trade unions
to promote and apply OSH policies. Reorganising the
Council for Safety and Health at Work in medium-and
large-size companies, as well as provision of trainings on
OSH topics for social partners, is a set of activities to be
implemented. Supporting the regular representation of
Albanian OSH institutions at international events—such
as EU OSHA, ILO, WHO—is also an important activity
under this objective. Furthermore, promotion campaigns
(for instance celebrating World Day for Safety and Health
at Work) and development of a national OSH campaign
with the theme ‘Working together on risk prevention’
are also foreseen under this set of activities.
Activities (9) under objective 2.4 (Develop an
effective system for managing the body of
knowledge on preventive culture and promoting
OSH) aim to develop an effective system for
managing the body of knowledge on preventive
culture and OSH promotion. The first activity
under this objective is elaboration of an OSH
Communication Strategy followed by a set of other
promotion activities that aim to increase awareness
of the benefits of introducing OSH practices and
systems into businesses (micro, small and medium
companies), as well as about employers’obligations
to provide safe working environments and provide
technical support, resources and practical tools.
Activities for implementation of new practices and
replication of successful examples are also foreseen
under this set of activities.
Another important activity is to address the existing
gaps on occupational medicine among doctors.
The activities anticipated in this regard are for both
the short and long term. Short-term activities aim
at organising training in OSH for health personnel
in enterprises, while long-term activities are
oriented along two directions: a) development of
a full curriculum on occupational medicine and
occupational diseases, and b) development of
a long-term specialisation study programme for
occupational medicine.

Pillar C aims to establish transparency and
effectiveness of the OSH system and institutions by
strengthening capacities for transparent governance
and effective implementation of OSH policies.
This pillar has four specific objectives and a total of
17 activities. The activities (6) foreseen in objective
3.1 (Reduce undeclared labour and informality
through implementation of better policies and more
effective inspection services) address undeclared
work by first carrying out a baseline assessment on
informality and undeclared work, including labour
migrants and illegal workers in Albania. There are
several activities foreseen to strengthen inter-
sectoral efforts by establishing a task force and
encourage involvement of union representatives to
be part of inspection visits to tackle informality and
undeclared work.
Activities (3) under objective 3.2 (Expand
recognition and increase knowledge on
employment and skills to reduce labour law
violations with regard to OSH) are focused on
development of competency-based training
packages for workers involved in hazardous
situations on a regular basis. Refresher and updated
compulsory training for public servants and
inclusion of OSH requirements in any contract for
the purchase of goods or services, employment
47
offers and work contracts are also planned.
Building motivation and ability for employers
to manage OSH risks effectively and of workers
to work more safely and participate in OSH
consultations is another objective (3.3) with four
activities planned to accomplish this objective. The
first activity is focussed on the organisation of study
tours by the government for business operators
based on best performance of OSH policies. It is
also foreseen the establishment of an award for
CEO of the Year in the field of OSH, the definition
of OSH awareness training as compulsory for all
workers with regular updating courses for all staff
on a yearly basis, and finally the inclusion of OSH
requirements in any contract for the purchase of
goods or services, employment offers and collective
labour agreements.
Activities (4) under objective 3.4 (Enhance
international cooperation to increase the influence
of Albania to upgrade OSH policies at the European
level) aim to strengthen the participation of Albanian
public and private institutions in EU OSH agency
activities (national and international), promote joint
regional activities and encourage participation of
SILSS representatives in international activities,
through becoming an observer of the Senior Labour
Inspectors Committee (SLIC), and a member of the
International Association of Labour Inspectorate (IALI).
48 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Chapter 4
Estimated Costs
and Sources
of Financing
 4
49

The methodology used for cost estimation of the

OSH Action Plan is based on the method of activity-
based costing. This method estimates the potential
costs as a two-stage process: i) costs from resources
to activities, and ii) costs from activities to objectives.
Estimated costs for each activity are calculated based
on three main categories: i) recurrent cost (602), ii)
human resources (600+601); and iii) investment (201).
Identification of the various sources of financing is
also a critical element in the costing exercise. It was
possible to identify two main sources for financing
the OSH Action Plan 2016–2020, as follows: 1), the
contribution of public funds through the state budget,
by using the Medium-Term Budget Programme (MTBP)
2016–2018 approved and estimated allocations to the
respective ministries and budget programmes, and 2),
the contribution of potential donors operating in the
The overall OSH field in the country. These made it possible to
identify the financial gap in terms of financing amounts
cost for and sources for each action, for each objective, as well
as the overall gap in the funding for the action plan as

implementation a whole.
Assessment of the budgetary impact of the

of the OSH implementation of the Action Plan will be elaborated

when preparing the final report on the overall

Action Plan is assessment of its implementation, and will cover the

whole period from 2016–2020.

estimated at ALL The estimated costs included in the Action Plan will
be reviewed at least every two years to identify to

1,753,453,000,
what extent it will be possible to mobilise additional
state budget allocations to the OSH policies, as well
as future donors contributions.The analysis of the
equivalent to estimated costs and sources of funding will be carried
out in 2018 within the framework of the mid-term
EUR 12,524,663 review of the OSH Policy Documentimplementation.
The overall cost for implementation of the OSH
Action Plan is estimated at ALL 1,753,453,000,
equivalent to EUR 12,524,663.25 The estimated
budget calculations as required by the strategic
priority and policy objectives are reported in Table 2.
Detailed complementary information can be found in
Annex A.

25  https://www.bankofalbania.org/web/Kursi_i_Kembimit_2014_1.

php, mean value of exchange rate January 2016, 140 ALL=1Euro

50 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Table 2: Estimated budget of OSH Action Plan 2016–2020 (continues)

No. Activity Estimated cost Financial Financial gap Responsible

of activity resource (000 lek) agencies
(000 lek) (000 lek)

PILLAR A: IMPROVING LABOUR PROTECTION WITH EFFECTIVE OSH POLICIES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Strategic Priority 1: Develop OSH policies and legal framework in compliance with EU and international labour standards
Objective 1.1:
Develop coherent, acceptable and feasible OSH policies and strategic documents
1.1.1 Conducting of a comprehensive revision of existing
OSH policies and analysis of the necessary amendments
to the current legislation in Albania, in order to repeal 8,234 State budget** 7,800 MoSWY
incoherent OSH rules in different legal acts that are
hindering its practical implementation
1.1.2 Analysis of the necessary amendments to the current
legislation reflecting the objectives of the OSH
2,791 State budget** MoSWY
policy document, in order to prepare its effective
implementation
1.1.3 Conducting of scientific research and studies into the
current situation, future trends and needs in the field
6,358 State budget 5,200 MoSWY, MoH
of OSH, at the country level, as well as comparative
regional studies in the SEE region
1.1.4 Development of a monitoring and evaluation plan for
ensuring that this plan is adequately implemented,
3,313 State budget MoSWY, MoH
identifying the needed resources to be allocated each
year for institutions at central and regional levels
Objective 1.2:
Create a comprehensive and fully EU and international aligned legal framework in OSH area with the participation of social partners
1.2.1 Completion of the transposition of other EU OSH
directives not in the Framework Directive, such as on
‘Protection from asbestos at work’, on ‘Working time
State
for special groups of workers’, and on ‘Prevention from 19,702 14,500 MoSWY, MoH
budget**
sharp injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector’, as
well of the Seveso II Directive on the ‘Control of major-
accident hazards’
1.2.2 Completion of the process of transposition of other EU
directives on technical safety standards for products State
17,351 14,500 MoEDTTE
and their placing into the market and that are also budget**
related to OSH protection
1.2.3 Elaboration of non-binding guidelines that will serve for
State MoH,
proper implementation of regulations transposing the 6,781 2,400
budget** MoSWY,MoEDTTE
EU directives on OSH
1.2.4 Completion of the process of ratification of ILO
Conventions such as the Convention on work in
State MoH,MoARDWD,
fisheries, OSH in agriculture, and ones concerning 1,758 -
budget** MoSWY
working conditions in hotels and restaurants, chemicals,
asbestos and Occupational Health Services
1.2.5 Analysis of sector laws and undertaking legal
amendments to clarify the division of competences
MoSWY,
on OSH enforcement in the workplace by SILSS, mine 2,275 State budget 2,275
MoH,MoEI
inspection, State Health Inspectorate and other existing
inspection bodies
1.2.6 Analysis of the OSH law to identify areas where by-laws
are required for full implementation of the requirements
contained therein (i.e. those related to the extension
of requirements with regard to the procedures for State
2,143 1,250 MoSWY, MoH
authorisation of external prevention services, education budget**
and certification of OSH specialists and authorisation of
OSH services, missing rules on workers’ representatives
and the OSH council)
 51

No. Activity Estimated cost Financial Financial gap Responsible

No. Activity of activity
Estimated cost resource
Financial (000 lek)
Financial gap agencies
Responsible
(000
of lek)
activity (000 lek)
resource (000 lek) agencies
(000 lek) (000 lek)
PILLAR
PILLAR A: IMPROVING
A: IMPROVING LABOUR
LABOUR PROTECTION
PROTECTION WITHWITH EFFECTIVE
EFFECTIVE OSH POLICIES
OSH POLICIES AND LEGAL
AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK
FRAMEWORK
Strategic Priority
Strategic 1: Develop
Priority OSH
1: Develop policies
OSH and
policies legal
and framework
legal in in
framework compliance with
compliance EU
with EUand
andinternational
internationallabour
labourstandards
standards
Analysis of the Labour Inspection Law in order to
improve the legal framework governing undeclared MoSWY,
1.2.7 - ILO* -
labour related to declaration of employees, aiming to MoEDTTE
better protect them*

1.2.8 Adoption of a legal framework on occupational

health to regulate health surveillance and promotion
procedures, periodical health examinations, health State
2,155 1,475 MoH, MoSWY
services in enterprises, and standardisation of data budget**
collection and reporting procedures in line with
international standards
1.2.9 Development of a normative act in order to define
clearer legal requirements for nominating workers’ State
984 500 MoSWY
representatives and their organisation in companies budget**
with fewer than 50 employees
1.2.10 Development of a normative act in order to define
clear legal requirements in terms of access to work of State budget;
867 - MoSWY, MoH
persons with disabilities, according to ILO and WHO ILO*
recommendations*
1.2.11 Amendment of the Labour Code to address child
State budget;
labour, sexual exploitation and gender-based 867 - MoSWY, MoH
ILO*
discrimination in the workplace*
Objective 1.3:
Develop an effective OSH inspection and information management system
1.3.1 Development of a working paper to improve the OSH
and Labour Inspection Information and Management
System for SILSS based on ESAW, enabling timely
and accurate annual data collection and recording
on the number of incidents and accidents at work, MoSWY,
10,942 State budget -
occupational diseases, lost-time injury frequency rates, Agencies, CI
number of hazard inspections, disaggregated by
region, economic sector, and company size, and linked
to the e-Inspection web portal, managed by the Central
Inspectorate
1.3.2 Design of institutional performance indicators (at
central and regional levels) and respective targets
for labour inspections and OSH, and establishing 237 State budget - MoSWY, CI
measurement mechanisms to track progress and
achievement of results
1.3.3 Development of standards for hiring, maintaining and
training of inspection bodies, especially those of SILSS MoSWY, DPA, CI,
212 State budget -
and IPH, in relation to OSH according to the standards MoH
of ILO and WHO
1.3.4 Development of training curricula and training of
OSH inspectorate employees, in e.g. IPH and SILSS
on the systematic reporting and statistical analysis of
reported accidents at work and occupational diseases, 1,590 State budget - MoSWY, MoH
and improvement of statistical documentation related
to OSH and their annual evaluation following ILO and
WHO models
1.3.5 Elaboration and publishing of regular reports on
OSH and labour inspection data, collected for public 90 State budget - MoSWY, MoH
dissemination, policy making and monitoring purposes
52 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

No.
No. Activity
Activity Estimated cost
Estimated cost Financial
Financial Financial gap
Financial gap Responsible
Responsible
No. Activity Estimated cost Financial Financial gap Responsible
of activity
of activity resource
resource (000 lek)
(000 lek) agencies
agencies
of activity resource (000 lek) agencies
(000 lek)
(000 lek) (000 lek)
(000 lek)
(000 lek) (000 lek)
PILLAR B: CREATING DECENT WORKING CONDITIONS AND SAFER AND HEALTHIER WORKPLACES
PILLAR A: IMPROVING LABOUR PROTECTION WITH EFFECTIVE OSH POLICIES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Strategic Priority 2: Promote decent work conditions through strengthening the tripartite social dialogue that enables
Strategic
OSH Priority
preventive 1: Develop
measures and OSH
safer policies and legal framework in compliance with EU and international labour standards
workplaces
Objective 2.1:
Establish decent forms of work and workers’ rights
2.1.1 Carrying out of a health impact assessment of working
conditions and current practices in the workplace as a 15,000 15,000 MoH, MoSWY
baseline study in the field of OSH
2.1.2 Organisation of training of entities and business
managers to effectively introduce OSH practices and
505 State budget - MoSWY, MoH
systems into their respective micro, small and medium
enterprises
2.1.3 Organisation of training of entities and business
managers to effectively introduce OSH practices
505 State budget - MoSWY
and systems particularly into high-risk industries and
economic sectors (construction and mining)
2.1.4 Elaboration of a plan to promote smoke- and alcohol-
free work places based on policy and strategic 1,030,401 State budget - MoH
documents in the health sector
2.1.5 Design of an intervention plan to remove all asbestos
from work premises and workplaces in public 28,680 State budget 27,000 MoH
institutions by 2020
2.1.6 Elaboration of a technical guideline to promote
collaboration between line ministries LGUs on
MoARDWD,
prevention of pesticide poisoning and incorporation 2,037 State budget -
MoH
of occupational health measures into good agricultural
practices
Objective 2.2:
Reduce work-related fatalities and injuries and occupational diseases
2.2.1 Development of practical guidance and tools to
improve procedures for compulsory reporting of
accidents at work to insurance schemes, enabling cross-
7,044 State budget - MoSWY, MoH
linking with data processing by the statistical office
according to EU standards, and harmonised regular
reporting
2.2.2 Development of practical guidance and tools to
support the systematic and effective management of 1,500 State budget 500 MoSWY, MoH
OSH in micro, small and medium enterprises
2.2.3 Organisation of compulsory and accredited short-term
trainings in continuation by the National Education 1,990 State budget 1,990 MoH
Centre for health service providers in enterprises
2.2.4 Development of a guideline to promote the
improvement of OSH policies for large enterprises and 47 State budget - MoH
to strengthen employees’ health surveillance
Objective 2.3:
Develop and strengthen OSH network to enhance social dialogue and influence OSH outcomes
Empowerment of the role of the OSH Commission of
2.3.1 the National Labour Council of Albania by bringing 462 State budget - MoSWY
onto the agenda OSH topics as one of the priorities
Organisation of meetings to ensure active participation
by employers and workers’ organisations in the No cost
2.3.2 - - MoSWY
development and implementation of actions to needed
promote workers’ safety and health
Organisation of meetings to strengthen the capacity
of trade unions to represent the legitimate interests
2.3.3 of workers on OSH practices and systems to be 53 State budget - MoSWY, MoH
implemented at both public and private institutions and
enterprises
Delivery of training to social partners’ representatives
(employers’ and workers’ organisations) on OSH topics
2.3.4 288 State budget - MoSWY, MoH
according to the results of a prior training needs
analysis
 53

No. Activity Estimated cost Financial Financial gap Responsible

of activity resource (000 lek) agencies
(000 lek) (000 lek)

PILLAR B: CREATING DECENT WORKING CONDITIONS AND SAFER AND HEALTHIER WORKPLACES
Strategic Priority 2: Promote decent work conditions through strengthening the tripartite social dialogue that enables OSH
preventive measures and safer workplaces
2.3.5 Provision of assistance for re-establishing Councils for
Safety and Health at Work in medium and large-size MoSWY,
14 State budget -
private companies, including proper election of workers’ MoH
representatives and ensuring their appropriate training
2.3.6 Enabling of regular representation and participation of
Albanian social partners in OSH-related events organised by MoSWY,
19,840 State budget 19,840
international institutions such as the EU OSH Agency, ILO, MoH
WHO
2.3.7 Annual observation of World Day for Safety and Health at
103,600 State budget - MoSWY
Work
Objective 2.4:
Develop an effective system for managing the body of knowledge on preventive culture and promoting OSH
Organisation of a short-term (3 month) course on OSH for
MoH, UM
2.4.1 family physicians, doctors specialised in internal medicine 11,380 State budget 11,380
(IED)
and doctors of other specialties to be defined in the future
Creation of a specialisation (4 year) and development of full Costs will be
curricula for occupational medicine calculated MoH, UM,
2.4.2 - -
when DCM is MoES
in place
Organisation of periodic training by international expertsfor
2.4.3 4,773 State budget 4,773 MoH
academic staff in clinical aspects of occupational diseases
Development of training curricula (university and post- TPU, IED,
2.4.4 782 State budget 782
graduate degree) on safety engineering MoES
Training of IPH staff and specialists in environmental health
in RHD, PHD, SILSS and IPH, as well as development of MoSWY,
2.4.5 2,476 State budget 1,782
training curricula on occupation risks, legal frameworks, MoH
compensations, work hygiene requirements, etc.
Implementation of the recommendations on OSH included
MoSWY,
2.4.6 in the Communication Guidelines prepared by SILSS in 2014, 3,251 State budget 2,465
MoH
with EU–ILO technical assistance
Carrying out of promotional activities to present the country
2.4.7 profile based on the European Study on Enterprises, 105,800 State budget - MoSWY
following the EU OSHA agenda
Annual organisation of OSH week with a full set of activities
MoSWY,
2.4.8 dedicated to promotion of OSH policies, best practices and 105,800 State budget -
MoH
social dialogue
Implementation of evidence-based projects and initiatives to
MoSWY,
2.4.9 improve OSH information and networking and replicate this 1,334 State budget -
MoH
model at the country level
54 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

No.
No. Activity
Activity Estimated
Estimated costcost ofFinancial
Financial Financial
Financial
gapgap Responsible
Responsible
No. Activity ofEstimated
activitycost resource
activity Financial
resource Financial
(000 lek) lek)gap Responsible
(000 agencies
agencies
(000of(000
activity
lek) lek) (000resource
(000 lek)
lek) (000 lek) agencies
(000 lek) (000 lek)
PILLAR
PILLARC:A:ESTABLISHING TRANSPARENT
IMPROVING LABOUR AND EFFECTIVE
PROTECTION OSH SYSTEMS
WITH EFFECTIVE AND INSTITUTIONS
OSH POLICIES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Strategic
StrategicPriority
Priority3:1:Develop
Developtransparent andand
OSH policies effective governance
legal framework in of the OSH system
compliance with EUand
andinstitutions, based
international onstandards
labour strengthened
inspection services, to reduce incidents and severe risks, occupational diseases and labour law violations
Objective 3.1: Reduce undeclared work and informality through better policies implementation and more effective inspection services
3.1.1 Carrying out of an assessment of informality and undeclared State budget;
12,875 - MoSWY
work in Albania, within the Western Balkans countries ILO
3.1.2 Ensuring an adequate number of staff of the responsible
unit for OSH policies at MoSWY and building the needed State budget;
158,071 - MoSWY, MoI
capacities according to the tasks attributed, through ILO
continuous training in relevant OSH areas
3.1.3 Encouragement of the involvement of union representatives
9,600 State budget - MoSWY
and senior management representatives in each inspection visit
3.1.4 Carrying out of OSH risk assessment activities by employers
1,300 Donors 1,300 MoSWY, IPH
and workers and bilateral OSH committee activities
3.1.5 Coordination and exchange of information among public
institutions and business operators, particularly with specific
800 State budget - MoSWY
agencies, such as NFA, Environment Protection, National
Employment Service, etc.
3.1.6 Development of a risk model for respective inspectors and of MoSWY,
1,374 State budget -
a coordination mechanism with Tax Inspectors MoF, CI
Objective 3.2:Expand recognition and increase knowledge on employment and skills to reduce the labour law violations in regards to OSH
3.2.1 Elaboration of guidelines, information, instructions, trainings
and supervision necessary to enable employees to perform 500 State budget - MoSWY
their work in a safer manner and with fewer risks to their health
3.2.2 Organisation of training courses for all the public
MoSWY,
administration personnel every year in order to raise their 3,190 State budget -
MoH
awareness in the OSH area
3.2.3 Development of specific competency-based training
MoSWY,
packages for workers involved in hazardous situations on a 1,009 State budget -
MoH
regular basis
Objective 3.3:
Build motivation and ability of employers to manage OSH risks effectively and of workers to work more safely and participate in OSH consultations
3.3.1 Organisation of study tours by the government for business MoSWY, MoH;
11,280 State budget 11,280
operators based on best performance of OSH policies social partners
3.3.2 Establishment of an award for CEO of the Year in the field of OSH MoSWY,
3,000 State budget 600
MoH
3.3.3 Definition of OSH awareness training as compulsory for all workers
606 State budget - MoSWY
with regular updating courses for all staff on a yearly basis
3.3.4 Inclusion of OSH requirements in any contract for the
MoSWY,
purchase of goods or services, employment offers and - State budget -
MoEDTTE
collective labour agreements
Objective 3.4: Enhance international cooperation to increase the influence of Albania to upgrade OSH policies at the European level
3.4.1 Strengthening the participation of Albanian public and
private institutions in EU OSH Agency activities through
10,080 State budget 10,080 MoSWY
its National Focal Point, as a way of getting closer to EU
guidelines and standards
3.4.2 Participation in OSH events, in the framework of international networks MoSWY,
504 State budget -
of cooperation, such as those under the EU, WHO or ILO umbrella MoH
3.4.3 Promotion of joint activities within the regional network of
1,785 State budget - MoSWY
cooperation of labour inspectorates in SEE countries
3.4.4 Participation of SILSS representatives in international
activities through becoming an observer of the Senior
1,269 State budget 1,269 MoSWY
Labour Inspectors Committee (SLIC) and a member of the
International Association of Labour Inspectorate (IALI)

*ILO funds’ availability is conditional to the approval of the Decent Work Country Programme 2016–2018 by the Government of Albania and social partners,
as well as to the mobilisation of other donors’ resources.

** Sector Reform Contract for Employment and Skills 2016–2028 is expected to be signed by Q2 2016 between the European Commission and the
Government of Albania. Result indicator 10 includes activities related to compliance of the labour legislation with international standards, namely referring
to full implementationof the EU OSH regulations.
 55

Figure 3: Sources of financing of OSH Action Plan

2013

89

State budget Financial Gap Donors

10,337,955 1,076,751 1,291,478

Figure 4: Distribution of estimated Table 3: Distribution of estimated
costs by OSH Action Plan Pillars (%) costs of OSH Action Plan Pillars (Euro)
Pillar Estimated State Donors Financial
Pillar A

5%
cost of budget (Euro) gap
activities (Euro) (Euro)
(Euro)

Total 12,706,184 10,337,955 1,291,478 1,076,751

A 642,384 280,790 - 361,594

B 10,489,572 9,869,923 - 619,649

C 1,574,228 187,242 1,291,478 95,507

Pillar B

83%
Pillar C

12%

Implementation of the OSH Action Plan will be
funded mainly by the state budget (GoA), with a
smaller component from donor contributions. The
most relevant donor in this field has been the EU
and ILO, and it is expected that this situation will
continue during the implementation period of the
OSH Action Plan. Funds allocated from the State
Budget represent 81 per cent of the total estimated
costs and only ten per cent will be covered by
donors. A funding gap is therefore identified of
some nine per cent of the overall costs of the
Action Plan (Figure 2). This will be ensured by EU
financial assistance to the Employment and Skills
sub-sector through the planned Sector Reform
Contract 2016–2018 (budget support mechanism),
expected to start in the second quarter of 2016,
as well as other donors’ contributions expected to
extend over the same period.
The data reported in Table 3 and shown in Figure
3 reflect clearly the greatest impact on the costs
deriving from Pillar B: Creating decent working
conditions and safer workplaces. This is the most
costly pillar in the Action Plan and envisages the
achievement of policy goals and objectives related
to promotion of decent working conditions through
tripartite and robust social dialogue enabling OSH
preventive measures and risk assessment practices.
Based on the present document, the various
ministries and respective public institutions
responsible for implementation of the identified
activities will need to plan budgetary financial
allocations to the relevant budget programmes and
lines as part of the planning process of the Medium-
Term Budget Programme and the preparation of
the subsequent annual budgets.
56 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Chapter 5
Accountability,
Monitoring and
Evaluation
Mechanisms
 5
57

To improve the coordination policy, the Albanian

government has adopted a ‘sector approach
to policy coordination’ as the main institutional
mechanism, i.e. based on the concept of an
Integrated Policy Management Group (IPMG).

The IPMG function is to advise, guide and

coordinate the institutions involved in an agreed
sector, to develop and implement a National
Sector Programme (including a Sector Support
Programme indicating the sources of funding—
state and external—for the different measures),
secure agreement on key issues affecting the sector,
endorse the outputs of work undertaken by the
different actors and make recommendations for
high level decision makers.26 The IPMG normally
meets on a quarterly basis.
To improve the
The IPMG will be supported by a Technical
coordination Secretariatfor the preparation of work plans
and annual reports on actions, deliverables and

policy, the outcomes, in cooperation with relevant directorates

and departments at MoSWY and other ministries.

Albanian Reforms under each area will be supervised by the

thematic groups. The EU and other partners will

government provide support in the form of advice, assistance

and funding for capacity building to establish such

has adopted a structures within the organisational structure of

MoSWY.

‘sector approach
This policy document and action plan is a
product of inter-sectoral efforts and, therefore,
its coordination and M&E will be coordinated
to policy by all relevant parties involved. The IPMG on
Employment and Social Policy(ESP-IPMG) will
coordination’ supervise all the strategic documents produced
in the framework of MoSWY affairs. Meanwhile,

as the main the Thematic Working Group on Employment,

Employability and Skills and (EES) will monitor

institutional and oversee in detail implementation of the

activities included in the present OSH Action Plan.

mechanism The thematic group on EES will be chaired by

relevant directors in MoSWY with responsibilities

26  MoEI. 2015. Integrated Policy Management Groups. General

Operational Guidelines, Tirana

58 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Ministry of Health
Ministry of Education and Sports
Ministry of Economic Development,
Trade, Tourism and Entrepreneurship
Ministry of Finance
……….. “……….. Prime Minister’s Office National Labour Council &
INSTAT (DPPFPA) its Specialised Commitees

Minister of Social Welfare and Youth

(leadership and responsibility for implementation of labour and social policies)

Secretary General
(overall coordination and oversight of Budget Planning)

Directorate General Technical Secretariat Monitoring, Statistics

of European of the IPMG and Planning Unit Directorate-General Directorate-General
Integration (preparation of work (implementation of on Employment on Social Policies
and Projects plans and annual monitoring and and VET Policies
reports on actions, evaluation, and
deliverables and reporting procedures
outcomes, in cooperation for MoSWY’s strategies
with relevant and action plans)
Directorates and
Departments at
MoSWY, and other
International Ministries)
Development
Cooperation
Directorate of Directorate of
Partners Integrated Policy Directorate
Employment Inspection,
Management Group of VET and
and Migration Labour
(IPMG) Qualifications
Policies Relations and
(policy dialogue
Social Dialogue
structure for all donors
active in the ESSP
sector and will be
linked to the
Government’s
Integrated Policy
Civil Society System (IPS))
Organisations National National State
Agency for Inspectorate
Employment
IPMG Thematic Group Service VET and for Labour and
on Employment, Skills Qualifications Social Services
and Employability
(main decision-making
body for implementa
tion and oversight of
sectoral strategies and
action plans)
 59

for employment and skills development policies, Sector Reform Contract OSH Policy Document
for Employment and and Action Plan
including OSH. Skills (implementation (implementation
MoSWY will have the responsibility of coordinating period) period)
all M&E activities and produce periodic reports
for presentation to government and other key
stakeholders (donors or partner institutions),
including discussion within the respective IPMG
Adoption of the
thematic group. MoSWY will develop annual reports
OSH Policy Document
on progress with implementation of the planned and Action
2016
activities (Annex A), and provide recommendations. Plan 2016-2020 by
A mid-term evaluation (2018) of the OSH Policy the Government of
Albania
Document and Action Plan will be carried out to
measure progress with implementation of this
document, assessing the usefulness and feasibility
of existing indicators and developing new indicators 1st Annual
as necessary. A final evaluation is planned to take Progress Report 2017
(refers to 2016)
place in 2020 and will be carried out to assess
the overall success of the implementation of the
Action Plan (efficiency and effectiveness), as well
as to, as far as possible, assess the impact of the
policies foreseen in the document. Apart from self-
monitoring and continuous monitoring by IPMG Mid-term
2018
thematic groups, arrangements shall be made to Review
ensure M&E by independent evaluators, particularly
the Mid-Term and Final Evaluation.

2nd Annual
The functioning of the IPMGswill enable policy Progress Report 2019
coordination of the OSH Policy Document and (refers to 2018)

Action Plan. The Thematic Group on Employment,

Employability and Skills, within the ESP–IPMG, will
bring together the required or key institutions and
actors from across the sector.

Final
2020
Review

Impact
2023-25
Assessment
60 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Annexes
A
61

ANNEX A: Action Plan and

Indicators, 2016–2020

A reporting model on the implementation of

activities and achievement of the targets of the
objectives will be prepared as a first measure to
ensure implementation of the strategy. Reporting
will be conducted by the Monitoring, Statistics
and Planning Unit at MoSWY, which will draft an
annual report on implementation of the Action Plan,
based on the defined success indicators. MoSWY
will create within 3 months of the adoption of the
Policy Document such a reporting model and will
distribute it to all actors involved in the process
through the IPMG thematic group.

Performance indicators are foreseen for each

objective and activity. Where 2015 data are
available, baselines will be defined, but where there
are no such data they will be measured in 2016 (or
onwards) and be used as a baseline for measuring
the projected targets.
62 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Responsible Period of
No. Indicators and Results Baseline27 Target 2017 Target 2020 Verification source
institution involved implementation

PILLAR A: IMPROVING LABOUR PROTECTION WITH EFFECTIVE OSH POLICIES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

1.a (Ind) A quality monitoring MoSWY, in No OSH Action Plan 2016–2020 50% of actions 100% of actions Documents published in
system is in place for cooperation with adopted in 2015 and included in OSH included in OSH Official Gazette, ministry
assessing the progress in its MoH, MoEDTTE, no monitoring system Action Plan fully Action Plan fully websites
implementation MoES, related public in place implemented, implemented,
OSH Action Plan 2016–2020 institutions, social monitored through reported and Guidelines for M&E
fully implemented by the partners objective and assessed by final system implementation
responsible ministries and participatory evaluation
institutions process led by Annual progress reports
MoSWY and mid-term and final
evaluation reports
1.b (Ind) Number of OSH MoSWY, other line 17 EU OSH Up to 2020 3 new OSH 4 new OSH Documents published
regulations and legal ministries, SILSS, directives transposed regulations regulations (7 in in Official Gazette,
acts adopted and under partner inspectorates and under transposed and total) transposed and ministries’ websites
implementation implementation until implemented implemented
OSH regulatory framework 2015 Annual progress reports
drafted and fully and mid-term and final
implemented evaluation reports

1.c (Ind) Labour MoSWY, INSTAT, No system in place Annual System platform Annual reports (five System in place and
InspectionsInformation SILSS in 2015 developed and in total) prepared accessible by all
and Management System troubleshoot solved and published, inspection bodies and
developed and fully based on quality inspectors
functional for SILSS System installed and reliable OSH
Annual quality reports in all inspectorate statistical information Data and reports
on OSH policies bodies and training gathered through generated by the system
implementation developed of CI inspectors Labour Inspections
and published started in its use Information and
Management System
System implemented
and fully operational
at country level

Objective 1.1: Develop coherent, acceptable and feasible OSH policies and strategic documents

1.1.1 Conducting of a MoSWY 2016 and 2019 Report

comprehensive revision of 1per 3 years
existing OSH policies and
analysis of the necessary
amendments to the current
legislation in Albania, in
order to repeal incoherent
OSH rules in different legal
acts that are hindering its
practical implementation
1.1.2 Analysis of the necessary MoSWY 2017–2019 Report
amendments to the current
legislation reflecting the
objectives of the OSH
policy document, in order
to prepare its effective
implementation
1.1.3 Conducting of scientific MoSWY, MoH 2016 and 2019 1 study in 2016 and Studies and research
research and studies into the second study in 2019 reports
current situation, future trends
and needs in the field of OSH,
at the country level, as well as
comparative regional studies
in the SEE region
1.1.4 Development of a monitoring MoSWY, MoH 2017–2020
and evaluation plan for
ensuring that this plan is
adequately implemented,
identifying the needed
resources to be allocated each
year for institutions at central
and regional levels

27 Within Pillar A, Objective 1.3 and Pillar B, Objective 2.4 it is expected that the OSH statistical data collection and analysis will be improved. This needs to
be developed in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and INSTAT, and following the methodologies defined by ESAW and ESOD.
 63

Objective 1.2: Create a comprehensive and fully EU and international aligned legal framework in OSH area with the participation of social partners

Completion of the MoSWY, MoH 2016–2020 10 transposed EU Legal acts published in

transposition of other directives (2/year) Official Gazette
EU OSH directives not in
the Framework Directive,
such as on ‘Protection
from asbestos at work’, on
‘Working time for special
1.2.1
groups of workers’, and
on ‘Prevention from sharp
injuries in the hospital and
healthcare sector’, as well
of the Seveso II Directive
on the ‘Control of major-
accident hazards’
Completion of the process MoEDTTE 2016–2020 10 transposed EU Legal acts published in
of transposition of other directives Official Gazette
EU directives on technical
safety standards for
1.2.2
products and their placing
into the market and that
are also related to OSH
protection
Elaboration of non-binding MoH, MoSWY, 2016–2020 6 non-binding Legal acts published in
guidelines that will serve for MoEDTTE guidelines in 2016; 3 Official Gazette
1.2.3 proper implementation of in 2017 and 5 per year
regulations transposing the for 2018–2020
EU directives on OSH
Completion of the process MoH, MoARDWD 2015–2020 6 ratifications Legal acts published in
of ratification of ILO Official Gazette
Conventions such as the
Convention on work in
fisheries, OSH in agriculture,
1.2.4
and ones concerning
working conditions in hotels
and restaurants, chemicals,
asbestos and Occupational
Health Services
Analysis of sector laws MoSWY, MoH, MoEI 2017 Legal acts published in
and undertaking legal Official Gazette
amendments to clarify the
division of competences on
1.2.5 OSH enforcement in the
workplace by SILSS, mine
inspection, State Health
Inspectorate and other
existing inspection bodies
Analysis of the OSH law MoSWY, MoH 2019, Law Law amended and 2 Report
to identify areas where 2020, 2 DCMs new DCMs
by-laws are required for
full implementation of the
requirements contained
therein (i.e. those related
to the extension of
requirements with regard
1.2.6 to the procedures for
authorisation of external
prevention services,
education and certification
of OSH specialists and
authorisation of OSH
services, missing rules on
workers’ representatives
and the OSH council)
Analysis of the Labour MoSWY, MoEDTTE 2016–2017 1 policy document for Legal acts published in
Inspection Law in order undeclared labour Official Gazette
to improve the legal
framework governing
1.2.7
undeclared labour
related to declaration of
employees, aiming to
better protect them
64 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Adoption of a legal MoSWY, MoH 2016–2019 Technical guideline Legal acts published in
framework on occupational for occupational Official Gazette
health to regulate health health, creating
surveillance and promotion surveillance
procedures, periodical procedures and
1.2.8 health examinations, health development
services in enterprises, and of manual for
standardisation of data occupational health
collection and reporting
procedures in line with 2 DCMs and 2
international standards guidelines
Development of a MoSWY 2020
normative act in order
to define clearer legal
requirements for
1.2.9 nominating workers’
representatives and their
organisation in companies
with fewer than 50
employees
Development of a MoSWY, MoH 2016 Legislation update Legal acts published in
normative act in order Official Gazette
to define clear legal
requirements in terms
1.2.10
of access to work of
persons with disabilities,
according to ILO and WHO
recommendations
Amendment of the Labour MoSWY, MoH 2017 3 policy documents Legal acts published in
Code to address child developed Official Gazette
labour, sexual exploitation
1.2.11
and gender-based
discrimination in the
workplace

Objective 1.3: Develop an effective OSH inspection and management system

Development of a MoSWY, agencies, CI 2017–2020 Working paper

working paper to improve
the OSH and Labour
Inspection Information
and Management System
for SILSS based on
ESAW, enabling timely
and accurate annual data
collection and recording
on the number of incidents
1.3.1
and accidents at work,
occupational diseases,
lost-time injury frequency
rates, number of hazard
inspections, disaggregated
by region, economic sector,
and company size, and
linked to the e-Inspection
web portal, managed by
the Central Inspectorate
1.3.2 Design of institutional MoSWY, CI 2017 Manual of institutional Report
performance indicators (at performance
central and regional levels) indicators
and respective targets for
labour inspections and
OSH, and establishing
measurement mechanisms
to track progress and
achievement of results
1.3.3 Development of standards MoSWY, DPA, CI, 2017 Developing, Policy paper
for hiring, maintaining MoH hiring, maintaining
and training of inspection (2017) and training
bodies, especially those of standards of
SILSS and IPH, in relation inspection body
to OSH according to the (2017–2020), 500
standards of ILO and WHO inspectors/year
 65

1.3.4 Development of training MoSWY, MoH 2018–2020 Curricula developed Curriculum

curricula and training 2018 and 50% of
of OSH inspectorate inspectors trained by
employees, in e.g. IPH and 2020 (100 employees
SILSS on the systematic per year, continuing
reporting and statistical in future)
analysis of reported
accidents at work and
occupational diseases, and
improvement of statistical
documentation related
to OSH and their annual
evaluation following ILO
and WHO models
1.3.5 Elaboration and publishing MoSWY, MoH 2017–2020 3 briefing documents Reports
of regular reports on OSH per year
and labour inspection
data, collected for public
dissemination, policy
making and monitoring
purposes

PILLAR B: CREATING DECENT WORKING CONDITIONS AND SAFER AND HEALTHIER WORKPLACES

2.a (Ind) Workers’ life MoSWY, INSTAT 2014 baseline: male, Annual 1.5 years increase 3 years increase INSTAT
expectancy (number of 76.4 years; female,
years) 80.3 years
Life expectancy is extended
up to three years
2.b (Ind) Number of accidents MoSWY, MoH, SILSS, To be defined Annual 5% reduction 10% reduction in SILSS annual reports,
at work occurred during the INSTAT together with INSTAT, in number of number of accidents Labour Force Survey
year per 100 000 persons in ESAW Survey accidents at work at work (ESAW indicator)
employment (baseline year: 2016)
(ESAW indicator)
10% of reducing of the total
number of accidents at work

2.c (Ind) No. of recognised MoSWY, MoH, SILSS, To be defined Annual 5% reduction 20% reduction in MoSWY, MoH and
occupational diseases INSTAT together with INSTAT, in total number total number of business operators
by economic activity and ESOD Survey of occupational occupational diseases reports
disease per 100,000 workers (baseline year: 2016) diseases
covered by the recognition
system
(ESOD indicator)
20% of reduce in the total
number of occupational
diseases registered
2.d (Ind) Percentage of work MoSWY, MoH, SILSS, To be defined Annual 5% reduction in 10% reduction in MoSWY, MoH and
days lost due to the INSTAT together with INSTAT, number of working number of working business operators
absence of employed ESOD Survey days lost days lost reports
people from work in (baseline year: 2016)
reference week, due to own
illness, injury or temporary
disability
(ESOD indicator)
10% of reduce of work days
lost due to the absence
of employed people from
work in reference week,
due to own illness, injury or
temporary disability
66 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

2.e (Ind) Percentage of MoSWY, MoH, SILSS, To be defined Annual 3% reduction 10% reduction in MoSWY, MoH and
employees that they have INSTAT together with INSTAT, in disability by employees who business operators
a longstanding health ESOD Survey occupational class develop long-lasting reports
problem or disability (baseline year: 2016) of diseases health problem
by occupational class or disability by
morbidity (prevalence occupational class
or incidence), by ICD morbidity
main groups stratified by
occupations and economic
sectors (ESOD indicator)
10% of reduce in the
number of employees who
develop a longstanding
health problem or disability
by occupational class
morbidity
2.f (Ind) Number of ESAW and MoSWY, MoH, SILSS, To be defined Annual Methodological ESAW and ESOD MoSWY, MoHand
ESOD surveys carried out INSTAT together with INSTAT guidelines surveys carried out INSTAT reports
in Albania (baseline for defined for the in Albania and OSH
ESAW and ESOD indicators ESAW and ESOD development of statistics made
used as the main statistical indicatorsnot ESAW and ESOD available
data for reporting on OSH available) surveys
policies

Objective 2.1 Establish decent forms of work and workers’ rights

Carrying out of a health MoH, MoSWY 2016–2017 Planning, designing Assessment report
impact assessment of methodology, data
working conditions and analysis, report
2.1.1
current practices in the writing
workplace as a baseline
study in the field of OSH
Organisation of training MoSWY, MoH 2016–2020 2 training sessions/ Training programmes,
of entities and business year List of participants,
managers to effectively Training materials
2.1.2 introduce OSH practices
and systems into their
respective micro, small and
medium enterprises
Organisation of training MoSWY 2016–2021 2 training sessions/ Training programmes,
of entities and business year List of participants,
managers to effectively Training materials
introduce OSH practices
2.1.3
and systems particularly
into high-risk industries
and economic sectors
(construction and mining)
Elaboration of a plan to MoH 2015–2020 Number of anti- Guidelines
promote smoke- and smoking, anti-
alcohol-free work places alcohol inspections/
2.1.4 based on policy and year including
strategic documents in the promotional materials
health sector posters and leaflets
and investment
Design of an intervention MoH 2018–2020 Public awareness, Intervention plan
plan to remove all asbestos education and
from work premises and training, partnership,
workplaces in public compliance
2.1.5
institutions by 2020 verification and
government
leadership and
research
Elaboration of a MoH 2018–2020 Advocacy meeting Technical guidance note
technical guideline to and development of
promote collaboration reduction plan
between line ministries
LGUs on prevention
2.1.6
of pesticide poisoning
and incorporation of
occupational health
measures into good
agricultural practices
 67

Objective 2.2: Reduce work-related fatalities and injuries and occupational diseases

Development of practical MoSWY, MoH 2016–2020 Practical guidance notes

guidance and tools to and procedural tools
improve procedures for
compulsory reporting
of accidents at work
to insurance schemes,
2.2.1
enabling cross-linking
with data processing
by the statistical office
according to EU standards,
and harmonised regular
reporting
Development of practical MoSWY, MoH 2018 User-friendly manuals Practical guidance notes
guidance and tools to and algorithms and procedural tools
support the systematic and
2.2.2
effective management of
OSH in micro, small and
medium enterprises
Organisation of compulsory MoH, MoES 2017–2020 Short-term training: Training programmes,
and accredited short-term 2/year; 1 week (50 List of participants,
trainings in continuation participating health Training materials
2.2.3
by the National Education providers from SME
Centre for health service and big companies)
providers in enterprises
Development of a MoH 2016–2018 Advocacy meeting Guideline
guideline to promote the
improvement of OSH
2.2.4 policies for large enterprises
and to strengthen
employees’ health
surveillance

Objective 2.3:Develop and strengthen OSH network to enhance social dialogue and influence occupational safety and health outcomes

Empowerment of the role MoSWY 2016–2020 2 training sessions/ Training programmes,

of the OSH Commission of year (50 participants List of participants,
the National Labour Council per training session) Training materials
2.3.1
of Albania by bringing on to
the agenda OSH topics as
one of the priorities
Organisation of meetings to MoSWY 2015–2020 Number of Meeting agenda, List
ensure active participation participating trade of participants, Training
by employers and unions involved in materials
workers’ organisations OSH policy making
2.3.2
in the development and
implementation of actions
to promote workers’ safety
and health
Organisation of meetings to MoSWY, MoH 2015–2020 1 training/year with 20 Meeting agenda, List
strengthen the capacity of participants of participants, Training
trade unions to represent the materials
legitimate interests of workers
2.3.3
on OSH practices and systems
to be implemented at both
public and private institutions
and enterprises
Delivery of training to social MoSWY, MoH 2017 1 training/year with 50 Training programmes,
partners’ representatives participants List of participants,
(employers’ and workers’ Training materials
2.3.4 organisations) on OSH
topics according to the
results of a prior training
needs analysis
Provision of assistance for MoSWY, MoH 2015–2020 Training Minutes of Council
re-establishing Councils for meetings
Safety and Health at Work
in medium and large-size
2.3.5
private companies, including
proper election of workers’
representatives and ensuring
their appropriate training
68 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Enabling of regular MoSWY, MoH 2015–2020 Participation in Registration and mission

representation and international EAOSH reports
participation of Albanian events 1/year
social partners in OSH-
related events organised Participation in
2.3.6
by international institutions international
such as the EU OSH conference by ILO
Agency, ILO, WHO and participation at
least 1/year in WHO
conference
Annual observation of MoSWY 2015–2020 1 day national Materials
World Day for Safety and conference + 1 Spot
2.3.7
Health at Work and TV broadcast of
one per month

Objective 2.4:Develop an effective system for managing body of knowledge about preventive culture and for promoting occupational safety and health

Organisation of a short- MoH, MoES 2018–2020 1/yearorganised in Training programmes,

term (3 month) course on collaboration with List of participants,
OSH for family physicians, IED and donors Training materials
2.4.1 doctors specialised in
internal medicine and
doctors of other specialties
to be defined in the future
Creation of a specialisation MoH, MoES 2018–2020 Curricula and
(4 year) and development specialisation
2.4.2
of full curricula for programme
occupational medicine
Organisation of periodic MoH 2018–2020 Trained staff Training programmes,
training by international List of participants,
2.4.3 experts for academic Training materials
staff in clinical aspects of
occupational diseases
Development of training MoES, TPU, IDE (or 2018 Curricula developed Curricula
curricula (university and IZHA)
2.4.4
post-graduate degree) on
safety engineering
Training of IPH staff and MoSWY, MoH 2017–2020 2 days training/ Training programmes,
specialists in environmental year/20 participants List of participants,
health in RHD, PHD, Training materials
SILSS and IPH, as well as
2.4.5 development of training
curricula on occupation
risks, legal frameworks,
compensations, work
hygiene requirements, etc.
Implementation of the MoSWY, MoH 2016–2020 3 days training/ Report
recommendations on year/30 participants
OSH included in the
2.4.6 Communication Guidelines
prepared by SILSS in 2014,
with EU–ILO technical
assistance
Carrying out of promotional MoSWY 2015–2020 Promotion activities Materials prepared for
activities to present the during international these activities
country profile based on Labour day
2.4.7
the European Study on
Enterprises, following the
EU OSHA agenda
Annual organisation of MoSWY 2016–2020 1 week per year, Materials prepared for
OSH week with a full set including Spot and these activities
of activities dedicated to broadcast 1 per
2.4.8
promotion of OSH policies, month
best practices and social
dialogue
Implementation of MoSWY, MoH 2017–2020 At least one project Materials prepared for
evidence-based projects implemented and these activities
and initiatives to improve replicated
2.4.9 OSH information and
networking and replicate
this model at the country
level
 69

PILLAR C: ESTABLISHING TRANSPARENT AND EFFECTIVE OSH SYSTEMS AND INSTITUTIONS

3.a (Ind) Labour Productivity MoSWY, INSTAT To be defined Annual 1 p.p. increase in 2 p.p. increase in INSTAT Economic
Growth (baseline for 2015 not labour productivity labour productivity Statistics
Growth of Labour available)
productivity by 2
percentage points

3.b (Ind) % of informal MoSWY, INSTAT To be defined Annual 3 p.p. reduction in 5 p.p. reduction in INSTAT Economic
economic activities in the (baseline for 2015 not informal economy informal economy in Statistics
overall economy available) in country country
Reduction of 5 p.p. of
informal economy in the
country
3.c (Ind) Percentage of MoSWY, SILSS, To be defined Annual 10% increase 25% increase in MoSWY, IPH, MoH and
enterprises operating in INSTAT (baseline for 2015 not in businesses businesses operating other inspection bodies
compliance with OSH available) operating in in compliance with and business operators
regulations compliance with OSH regulations reports
25% increase of business OSH regulations
operating in compliance
with OSH regulations
3.d (Ind) Percentage of total MoSWY, MoH, MoF To be defined Annual 2%of total health Maximum of MoSWY, MoH and MoF
health expenditure related SILSS, INSTAT (baseline for 2015 not expenditure related 5%of total health
to OSH practices in private available) to OSH practices in expenditure related
business private business to OSH practices
5% of total health inprivate business
expenditure related to OSH
practices in private business

Objective 3.1: Reduce undeclared work and informality through better policies implementation and more effective inspection services

3.1.1 Carrying out of an MoSWY 2016 Assessment done Report

assessment of informality
and undeclared work in
Albania, within the Western
Balkans countries
3.1.2 Ensuring an adequate MoSWY, MoI 2016–2020 Rules and procedures Organogram and
number of staff of the developed MoSWY documents
responsible unit for OSH
policies at MoSWY and
building the needed
capacities according to the
tasks attributed, through
continuous training in
relevant OSH areas
3.1.3 Encouragement of the MoSWY 2015–2018 Visits/year + Reports on inspection
involvement of union round table with visits
representatives and representatives and
senior management senior managers
representatives in each
inspection visit
3.1.4 Carrying out of OSH risk MoSWY, IPH 2017–2020 Baseline study Risk assessment reports
assessment activities by
employers and workers and
bilateral OSH committee
activities
3.1.5 Coordination and MoSWY 2017 2 round tables per MoSWY documents
exchange of information year and information
among public institutions materials
and business operators,
particularly with specific
agencies, such as NFA,
Environment Protection,
National Employment
Service, etc.
3.1.6 Development of a risk MoSWY, MoF, CI 2017 Preparing models Paper
model for respective
inspectors and of a
coordination mechanism
with Tax Inspectors
70 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

Objective 3.2:Expand recognition and increase knowledge on employment and skills to reduce the labour law violations in regards to OSH

3.2.1 Elaboration of guidelines, MoSWY 2016–2020 Production of Materials prepared for

information, instructions, IEC promotion these activities
trainings and supervision materialsyear
necessary to enable
employees to perform their
work in a safer manner and
with fewer risks to their
health
3.2.2 Organisation of training MoSWY, MoH 2016–2020 4 trainings/year (50 Training programmes,
courses for all the public participants per List of participants,
administration personnel every training session) Training materials
year in order to raise their
awareness in the OSH area
3.2.3 Development of specific MoSWY, MoH 2017–2020 2 trainings/year (50 Training programmes,
competency-based training workers participants List of participants,
packages for workers per training) involved Training materials
involved in hazardous in hazard situation
situations on a regular basis

Objective 3.3: Build motivation and ability to employers to manage OSH risks effectively and of workers to promote safer workplaces and participate in OSH consultations

3.3.1 Organisation of study tours MoSWY, MoH, social 2017–2020 1 study tour/year up Study visit reports
by the government for partners to 10 persons (3 days)
business operators based
on best performance of
OSH policies
3.3.2 Establishment of an award MoSWY, MoH 2016–2020 1 premium award/ Event materials
for CEO of the Year in the year at a national
field of OSH conference
3.3.3 Definition of OSH MoSWY 2015–2020 Training (1 day) with Training programmes,
awareness training as 50 participants; 2/year List of participants,
compulsory for all workers Training materials
with regular updating
courses for all staff on a
yearly basis
3.3.4 Inclusion of OSH Contracts, Legal acts
requirements in any contract adopted
for the purchase of goods
or services, employment
offers and collective labour
agreements

Objective 3.4: Enhance international cooperation to increase the influence of our country to upgrade OSH policies at European level

3.4.1 Strengthening the MoSWY 2015–2020 1/year Registration and Mission

participation of Albanian reports
public and private
institutions in EU OSH
Agency activities through
its National Focal Point, as a
way of getting closer to EU
guidelines and standards
3.4.2 Participation in OSH events, in MoSWY 2015–2020 1/year Islamic OSH Registration and Mission
the framework of international network reports
networks of cooperation, such
as those under the EU, WHO
or ILO umbrella
3.4.3 Promotion of joint activities MoSWY 2015–2020 1/year Report on activities
within the regional network
of cooperation of labour
inspectorates in SEE
countries
3.4.4 Participation of SILSS MoSWY 2015–2020 1/ year Registration and Mission
representatives in international reports
activities through becoming
an observer of the Senior
Labour Inspectors Committee
(SLIC) and a member of the
International Association of
Labour Inspectorate (IALI)
 71

ANNEX B: Summary of non-implemented or only partially

implemented actions for 2009–2015 period

Legislation Status* Reason for non-implementation Action to be taken

PI NI
Amendments to the current legislation reflecting the objectives of X Work still in progress To be completed by end of 2017
the Strategic Policies document. There were several amendments
of regulations adopted in the implementation period. A broad
revision of the Labour Code has been prepared.
Drafting and adoption of secondary legislation, transposition X Work is still in progress To be completed by end of 2017
of Individual OSH Directives. Two DCMs were adopted in 2011,
three DCMs in 2013, five in 2014, as well as regulations being
drafted and passing the legislation process.
Change in the law on public procurement for inclusion of IPH in X This activity has had much Revise terms of reference,
the tendering process. discussion from interested parties disseminate with interested
but no agreement has been reached parties and get their opinions on
coherence and feasibility of this law
Functioning of a coherent inspection system. Provision of office X Work still in progress. Reason for Advocate with MoF to increase
space for the whole State Labour Inspectorate at central and incomplete implementation of budget for improvement of IPH
regional levels, reconstructions and purchase of new premises. activity is lack of financial support inspectorate.
for IPH (human resources and
infrastructure) Collaborate with donors to ensure
financial support.
Completion of infrastructure for all IPH regional directorates with X Work still in progress. Reason for Advocate with MoF to increase budget
vehicles, logistical equipment: PCs, desks, telephone, fax, etc. incomplete implementation of for improvement of IPH inspectorate.
activity is lack of financial support
for IPH (human resources and Collaborate with donors to ensure
infrastructure) financial support.
Development of appropriate training programmes and structures X This activity is still in progress Make training of IPH mandatory
for training of labour inspectors and controllers. The system of and set down an essential number
training of trainers and subsequent training of inspectors has of annual credits to be achieved
been adopted. The training programme is partly completed.
Ensure creation of a system for informing and communicating X This activity is still in progress Create an ad hoc group to follow
with all interested parties about the work of the labour up activities
inspectorate by making use of computer facilities.
Communication strategy is in development as is information
system and equipping inspectors with laptops.
Creation of a core groups of qualified experts for specialised X Ad hoc group created but lacks field Develop a clear action plan,
inspections and investigation of serious accidents. Similar expert inspections followed by monitoring and
groups have been created ad hoc for the need and focus of evaluation
inspection performance.
Advice and information; provision of counselling as necessary X Package of information prepared, Ensure financial support to print
means for developing a prevention culture. but lacks implementation in practice out information materials and put
training in place

Inclusion in the curricula of various educational system levels of X It was agreed to include education
concepts related to occupational safety and health. curricula in OSH concepts, but no
subsequent steps have been undertaken
Setting the month of October every year as the month of OSH. X This activity has been planned to
Holding a national meeting involving various state institutions, be an annual one, but practical
social stakeholders, and foreign, regional and domestic experts. implementation lacking mainly due
to lack of financial support
Efficient functioning of an occupational medical service. X Lack of institutional collaboration
Establishment of specialisation for Labour Physician at the and commitments.
University of Medicine.
Lack of legal framework and
education curricula.
Creation of Labour Health Centres (private) as organisations of X Neglection by responsible
various employers. institutions and lack of social
dialogue to follow up on
implementation
Qualification and training of Labour Physicians. X Lack of financial support
Establish inter-ministerial group
to follow up and implement this
activity
Ensure adequate funding to
celebrate October as OSH month
Ensure institutional collaboration,
develop legal framework and
curricula
Improve legal framework and
pilot one centre as model to be
replicated in the future
Ensure financial sustainability to
complete this action

* PI: partially implemented; NI: not implemented

72 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Document (2016-2020)

ANNEX C: List of OSH directives and policies to be adopted

or implemented overthe period 2016–2018

Title Albanian legislation Responsible Adaptation Expected time Date of

(strategy, policy institutions to Albanian for the adoption implementation
documents, legal acts) Legislation
OSH Policy Document and DCM: Approval of OSH Policy Document and Action Plan 2016–2020 MoSWY Full Q1 2016 15 days after
Action Plan 2016–2020 announcement in
Official Gazette
Directive 92/91/EEC DCM: Approval of regulation for ‘minimal requests for improving safety MoEI Full Q1 2016 Q1 2017
and health of workers in mine industry’
Directive 92/104/EEC DCM: Approval of regulation for ‘minimal requests for improvements MoEI Full Q1 2016 Q1 2017
of safety and health of workers in mine industry (under and above
ground)’
Directive 2009/148/EEC DCM: for protection of employees from risk of asbestos exposurein MoH,MoSWY Full Q1 2016 Q4 2017
work place
Directive 2009/148/EEC DCM: for protection of youth in work place MoSWY,MoH Full Q1 2016 Q2 2016
Directive 92/29/EC DCM: Approval of regulation for ‘minimal requests for safety and MoH,MoT Full Q4 2016 Q42017
health and health treatment infishing vessels’
Directive 66/464 DCM: for definition of regulations, procedures and type of examination MoSWY,MoH Full Q2 2017 Q4 2017
medical tests carried out based on the type of work of employees, and
the way of functioning of health services at workplace
Directive 91/383 DCM: Approval of regulation for ‘minimal requests of safety and health MoSWY,MoH Full Q2 2017 Q4 2017
for employees with full-or part-time contract’
Directive 2003/88 DCM: Approval of regulation for ‘modulating work and break times’ MoSWY,MoT Full Q1 2017 Q1 2018
Directive 1338/200 DCM: for some additions and changes to the Labour Inspection Law MoSWY Full Q1 2017 Q2 2017
Directive 2003/134 DCM: for some additions and changes to the Law on OSH MoSWY,MoH Full Q4 2017 Q2 2018

ANNEX D: Definitions
Accidents at work
An accident at work is defined as a discrete
occurrence in the course of work that leads to physical
or mental harm. This definition includes accidents
occurring in the course of work but outside the
business premises, also those caused by a third party,
and cases of acute poisoning. It excludes accidents
on the way to or from work, occurrences of a medical
origin, and occupational diseases.
A ‘serious accident’ is one that leads to more than
three days’ absence (excluding the day the accident
occurred), and a ‘fatal accident’ is one leading to the
death of the victim within a year (after the day) of the
accident.
Commuting accident
Covers an accident resulting in death or personal
injury occurring on the direct route between the place
of work and:
the worker’s principal or secondary residence, or
the place where the worker usually takes a meal, or
theplace where the worker usually receives his or her
remuneration.
Dangerous occurrence
Covers a readily identifiable event as defined under
national laws and regulations, with the potential to
cause any injury or disease to persons at work or to
the public.
Decent work by which rights are defended, employment promoted
The primary goal of ILO is to promote opportunities
for women and men to obtain decent and productive
work, underconditions of freedom, equity, security and
human dignity.
The Decent work concept was formulated by ILO’s
constituents—governments and employers and
workers—as a means to identify the organisation’s
73
major priorities. It is based on the understanding that
work is a source of personal dignity, family stability,
peace in the community, democracies that deliver
for people, and economic growth that expands
opportunities for productive jobs and enterprise
development. Decent work reflects priorities on the
social, economic and political agenda of countries and
the international system.
Occupational accident
Covers an occurrence arising out of or in the course of
work thatresults in fatal or non-fatal injury.
Occupational disease
This term covers any disease contracted as a result of
an exposure to risk factors arising from work activity.
OSH Management Systems (OSHMS)
OSHMS is a combination of planning and review,
management organisational arrangements,
consultative arrangements, and specific programme
elements that work together in an integrated way to
improve safety and health performance.
Social dialogue
Social dialogue requires participation and freedom of
association and is therefore an end in itself. It is also
a means of ensuring conflict resolution, social equity
and effective policy implementation. It is the means
and work secured. It is a source of stability at all levels,
from anenterprise to society at large.
Social security
Everybody—regardless of where they live—needs a
minimum level of social security and income security,
defined according to the society’s capacity and level
of development.