


Czechia
non-inspection campaign

the 'Safe Enterprise' Programme
- Duration: The programme has been implemented every year since 1996.
- Sector: The programme is primarily intended for manufacturing companies with approximately 100 or more employees, operating with an increased level of risk to the life and health of persons and, where appropriate, to the environment.
- Number of establishments covered by the non-inspection activity: Currently 68 entities have 'Safe Enterprise' certificates (the certificate is valid for 3 years provided that certain updates are carried out within that time).
- Number of inspectors engaged in the non-inspection activity: 80 (inspectors of various specialisations depending on the activity profile of the establishment)
- Number of specialised staff involved in implementing the non-inspection activity: 0
- Budget: The project does not have any external sources of financing; the costs are covered by the labour inspectorate.

A company that has applied to participate in the programme first carries out a so-called internal audit, based on a checklist provided by the inspectorate. It also prepares a detailed report on the implemented OSH management system. In addition to the requirements on working conditions, the programme also checks compliance with fire protection and environmental protection requirements (checks in this area are carried out by competent authorities). Once these requirements are met, the company submits an application to the relevant Regional Labour Inspectorate for an audit, which - if successful - results in the award of the certificate.

The primary source of information about entities that may seek to participate in the programme are labour inspectors who carry out routine OSH inspections at such establishments. If they find that a company has a well-functioning OSH management system, they propose that such an employer participate in the programme. Information about the programme is also disseminated in the media, on webpages of the institution and of the social partners, and during conferences and other prevention events on OSH.

Once the list of candidates to participate in the programme has been established, a group of labour inspectors is organised at the level of the regional labour inspectorate to conduct audits in these companies. Depending on the size of the establishment and the production profile, up to 10 inspectors may participate in a particular audit. Before the start of the audit, as well as after its completion, the labour inspectors act as consultants and advisors on how to solve occupational safety problems. Certificates are awarded during a ceremony. In order for the certificate to remain valid throughout the three-year period for which it is awarded, the company needs to undergo an interim check during this period. If it is found that the OSH management system is not working effectively, the certificate may be withdrawn.

The programme is evaluated annually, and the evaluation results are part of the report on the Labour Inspectorate’s activity, which is publicly available on its website. In its part concerning the 'Safe Enterprise' programme, the report contains an assessment of the audits, including the number of companies enrolled and audits, findings, recommendations issued by labour inspectors, and a list of companies that were awarded certificates in a given year.