In organizations across the Mogilev region, a month‑long safe‑work campaign in the small‑business sector is underway, lasting until November 30. The region’s trade unions have focused attention on this segment of the economy, where occupational‑health and safety issues often require extra attention and support.

— In small workshops, shops, and factories, managers are often focused on solving day‑to‑day business tasks. Because of high workload and the lack of permanent occupational‑health and safety specialists, basic safety requirements sometimes fall to the background, — said Sergey Sergeenko, chief technical labour inspector of the Mogilev Regional Union of Trade Unions. — Technical labour inspectors and union activity conduct monitoring of working conditions. The main goal of the measures is not only to identify violations but also to provide practical assistance to employers. Specialists advise on how to eliminate risks and establish safe processes before accidents occur.

We pay special attention to ensuring that equipment and workplaces comply with occupational‑health and safety standards, as well as to the actual training of workers in safe work practices.

— Inspectors verify the relevance of instructions for specific professions and the timely conduct of briefings and training. Public oversight focuses on the organization of pre‑shift medical examinations, the provision of personal protective equipment and its correct use, compliance with general occupational‑health and safety requirements during work, as well as the safe condition of equipment for work at heights, including ladders and stepladders, — noted Sergey Sergeenko.

Special attention is given to the work of public occupational‑health and safety inspectors. Since permanent specialists are rarely found in small businesses, it is the public inspectors among the workers themselves who can promptly notice and eliminate threats in the workplace.

At the end of the monthly monitoring, the unions will analyze the situation in each organization and develop recommendations for employers. This will make working conditions in small business safe and comfortable for every employee.