Cabinet Resolution No. 505: workplace accidents must be reported within 24 hours, and from 1 December investigated only via the Xavfsiz mehnat system

From 1 December 2026 reports, investigations and records of workplace accidents will be handled through the Xavfsiz mehnat ("Safe Labour") electronic system. Employers must report an accident within 24 hours. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the new procedure by Resolution No. 505 of 22 September 2026.

The resolution sets the procedure for reporting, investigating and recording work-related accidents and compensating the resulting harm. It took effect on 23 September. The Xavfsiz mehnat system uses artificial intelligence technologies.

What to do after an accident

The employer must immediately arrange first aid for the injured person. The workplace and equipment must be preserved as they were for the investigation.

Within 24 hours the employer must use the system to notify:

• The territorial state labour inspectorate
• Any superior organisation
• The internal affairs bodies
• The Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction
• Trade union bodies
• The territorial unit of the Industrial Safety Committee

Who investigates

Minor accidents are investigated by a commission appointed by the employer. A special investigation is mandatory when:

• Two or more workers are injured at the same time
• Injuries have moderate or severe consequences
• The accident is fatal

Compensation for harm

The employer must compensate an employee for harm to health caused by an occupational injury or disease. The exception is where it proves that it was not at fault. Compensation covers, among other things, lost earnings.

What this means in practice. Before 1 December companies should:

• Appoint a person responsible for occupational safety
• Update their internal accident-response instructions to reflect the 24-hour notification deadline
• Get ready to work in the Xavfsiz mehnat system

Keep records of safety briefings and protective equipment issued: in a compensation dispute it is the employer that must prove it was not at fault.

Photo: Bjorn Leirvik, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)