ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN BULGARIA: ACHIEVEMENTS, CHALLENGES AND REFORMS

ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN BULGARIA: ACHIEVEMENTS, CHALLENGES AND REFORMS

DESISLAVA STOILOVA

Abstract

This paper is intended to analyze the dynamics and economic impact of occupational accidents and diseases in Bulgaria during the period 2000 – 2009, grounded on data provided by the National Social Security Institute, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, and the National Center of Public Health Protection. The effectiveness of state regulations and economic incentives to improve occupational health and safety is discussed on the base of the legislation in force. The conclusion is that Bulgarian legislation in the scope of occupational health and safety is harmonized with the requirements of the EU directives regarding the implementation of measures intended to stimulate occupational health and safety improvement. Due to the stable legal base, statistics has recorded diminishing rates of work accidents and occupational diseases during the analyzed period. The economic incentives are generally recognized as an effective instrument to promote occupational safety and health in Bulgaria. They are potentially strong instruments in driving enterprises towards health and safety excellence. Basic precondition for stimulating corporate investments in occupational health and safety activities is reinforcement of the link with profitability.

Key words

occupational health and safety, work accidents, occupational diseases, social insurance, economic incentives

References

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