A warehouse or logistics company in Slovakia needs, beyond the basic OSH documentation, licences for forklift operators (Section 16 and Annex 1a of Act No. 124/2006 Coll.), a risk assessment of manual handling of loads (Government Regulation No. 281/2006 Coll.), regular inspections of racking, ladders and loading ramps, a list of personal protective equipment and an occupational health service with categorisation of work. Night shifts require a yearly assessment of medical fitness (Section 98 of the Labour Code). HASPO covers this in a flat fee from €76 per month.
A warehouse brings together powered trucks, pedestrians, racking several metres high, heavy loads, ramps with reversing lorries and often night shifts. Slovak labour inspectorates therefore inspect warehouses and logistics centres more often than offices and focus on a few recurring topics.
What is specific to warehouses and logistics?
- Forklifts and powered pallet trucks. They may be operated only by a person holding a valid licence. The licence holder must undergo a medical examination and refresher training within five years (Section 16(6) and (8) of Act No. 124/2006 Coll.).
- Racking and ladders. Racking is work equipment. Where no regulation sets an interval, the employer determines the scope and frequency of inspections and keeps a record (Section 5(3) and (4) of Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll.). The STN EN 15635 standard recommends an expert inspection at least once every 12 months and a load capacity label on each rack.
- Manual handling of loads. The employer must eliminate it where possible and otherwise assess the risk, ensure health surveillance and train employees (Government Regulation No. 281/2006 Coll.). The guide weights in Annex 2 are, for example, a maximum of 50 kg for a man aged 18 to 29 in favourable conditions and 15 kg for a woman.
- Night work. An employee working at night must have their medical fitness assessed before assignment and then at least once a year (Section 98(3) of the Labour Code).
- Routes and ramps. Routes for trucks and pedestrians should be separated and marked, and ramps secured against falls (Government Regulation No. 391/2006 Coll.).
- Personal protective equipment. Safety footwear, high-visibility vests and helmets under racking are issued according to a PPE list based on the risk assessment (Government Regulation No. 395/2006 Coll.).
What does HASPO provide?
- Safety technician – the occupational safety service required by Section 21 of Act No. 124/2006 Coll.: risk assessment, documentation, workplace inspections and investigation of work accidents.
- Fire protection technician – fire documentation, preventive fire inspections and employee training under Act No. 314/2001 Coll.
- Occupational health service for work in categories 1 and 2 – health risk report with categorisation of work, operating rules and organisation of medical examinations under Act No. 355/2007 Coll.
- Training, including e-learning with a certificate.
Related pages: OSH for manufacturing companies and physical workload assessment.
How much does it cost?
HASPO provides OSH, fire protection and occupational health service in one flat fee from €76 per month; the first month is free. The price depends on the number of employees and the type of operation – the price calculator shows an estimate immediately and we send a binding quote within 24 hours. HASPO has been operating since 1996, has a team of 20 people, four branches (Bratislava, Košice, Banská Bystrica and Vranov nad Topľou) and looks after more than 650 clients across Slovakia.
Frequently asked questions
Does the operator of an electric pallet truck need a licence?
Yes. A powered truck, including an electric pallet truck, may be operated only by a person with a valid licence issued under Section 16 and Annex 1a of Act No. 124/2006 Coll.
How often must warehouse racking be inspected?
Slovak regulations leave the interval to the employer, who must keep a record of each inspection (Section 5(3) and (4) of Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll.). The STN EN 15635 standard recommends an expert inspection at least once every 12 months.
What are the obligations for night shifts in a warehouse?
An employee working at night must have their medical fitness for work assessed before being assigned to night work and then at least once a year (Section 98(3) of the Labour Code).
