Joint agreement with social partners – related regulations will be issued today – significant administrative simplification
Vienna (OTS) – The protection of the approximately 30,000 employees in Austrian agriculture and forestry is the focus of the Agricultural Labor Act (LAG). The Federal Ministry of Labor and Economic Affairs is today issuing nine regulations on the Agricultural Labor Act, which are intended to bring important improvements for employees and employers and contribute to increased occupational safety and more effective health protection. “The regulations were drawn up in close coordination with the social partners and are supported by both employees and employers. There will be a significant administrative simplification because the previous regulations – which only apply at the state level – will be combined into uniform federal regulations,” said Labor and Economics Minister Martin Kocher in the introduction.
The new regulations, which apply throughout Austria, regulate several aspects of labor law in agriculture and forestry. For example, the regulation on personal protective equipment sets out specific requirements for the protection of employees. “This regulation marks an important step for the safety and well-being of workers in the agriculture and forestry sectors. Together with the social partners, we have created uniform standards that will strengthen protection against specific dangers in this sector. The health and safety of everyone who contributes to local agriculture every day must always be guaranteed,” says Kocher.
Agriculture Minister Totschnig: “The specific requirements and training conditions in agriculture and forestry are taken into account in particular in the Agricultural and Forestry Youth Work Protection Ordinance. This means that young people are given the best tools for their professional future during their practical vocational training. I am pleased about this practical path to standardization. These nine regulations take a further step towards the nationwide standardization of agricultural labor law.”
The agricultural and forestry VDU work regulations should also lead to a more ergonomic design of VDU workstations in the agricultural and forestry sector. It also provides for special visual aids if necessary and additional breaks when working on screens. “Especially against the background of digitalization, computer work is constantly increasing in agriculture and forestry. In order to minimize the associated negative effects for employees, with the agricultural and forestry VDU work ordinance we are focusing on both preventive and supportive measures,” concludes Kocher.
In addition, the documentation requirement for hazard prevention is specified and clear requirements for the safe use of electrical systems and equipment are introduced. The regulations on electromagnetic fields, noise and vibrations and optical radiation also help to ensure that workers in agriculture and forestry are protected as best as possible from health risks.
Questions & Contact:
Federal Ministry of Labor and Economics
Press department – work
press.work@bmaw.gv.at
#KocherTotschnig #Improvements #employee #protection #agriculture #forestry
