What if I am a self-employed individual working "for myself"?
The employer is obliged to ensure occupational safety and health of its employees.
If you hold a trade license and are therefore self-employed (and do not employ anyone), you are mainly responsible for OSH yourself. You should fulfill obligations in such a way as to protect yourself, as well as other persons who could be endangered by your activities. OSH is an integral part of your business.
What OSH obligations apply to self-employed persons without employees?
You are subject to certain obligations specified in the Labor Code set out in Section 101 (1) (2); Section 102; Section 104, and Section 105. These include obligations for risk prevention, use of personal protective equipment, and also obligations in the event of occupational injuries and occupational diseases Other obligations stemming from provisions Section 2 to 11 of Act No. 309/2006 Coll., considering the activities you perform and obligations from legal and other regulations to ensure occupational safety and health, e.g., in the form of government regulations.
What OSH obligations do not apply to self-employed persons without employees?
Occupational medical examinations are not mandatory for you. Attention! Exceptions include, for example, drivers for whom operating a motor vehicle is the subject of self-employed activity under the Trade Licensing Act. They must undergo regular medical examinations. You are also not obliged to perform job categorizations. Nor are you expected to train yourself in OSH. However, training may be required (as well as medical fitness) by your contracting authority, e.g. in construction.
Section 53 et seq. of Act No. 373/2011 Coll., on specific health services
Section 87 (1) (c) of Act No. 361/2000 Coll., on road traffic
Section 37 of Act No. 258/2000 Coll., on protection of public health
What if I, as a contractor, will be moving around another company's workplace? I don't know the environment and I don't know the risks there.
An employer is obligated to ensure occupational safety and health for all persons (i.e. not only employees) who are knowingly present at their workplaces. If you are entering the premises of another company, you should be familiar with the risks and policies of movement on the premises and the precautions to prevent a dangerous event from occurring beforehand. Documentation should be kept about this briefing. If you visit the company repeatedly, the briefing can be done once and does not need to be repeated unless there is a significant change related to safety. However, it is important that you enter the workplace with the consent and knowledge of the company.