Occupational health service (PZS): what is it and do I need it?
The occupational health service (PZS) provides health surveillance in the workplace. Every employer with at least one employee, including people on agreements, must have it. The obligation arises from Act No. 355/2007 Coll. on the protection, promotion and development of public health.
What the occupational health service is
The occupational health service provides health surveillance in the workplace. Its aim is to identify risks – factors in the working environment that can damage employees' health in the long term – to reassess them and propose solutions. This reduces health risks and prevents occupational diseases. The main aim is to promote health at work and improve employees' health and quality of life.
By law, anyone who employs at least one employee, whether on an employment contract or an agreement, must have an occupational health service.
What occupational health documentation includes
- Initial audit: evaluation of the workplace and working environment.
- Health risk assessment with work categorisation: classifying each job position into a category according to health risk.
- Register of category 2 work.
- Medical opinions on fitness for work from work-related medical examinations.
- Operating rules if the operation requires them and, where needed, measurements of working environment factors, for example physical workload.
From 15 July 2026 the health risk assessment is prepared in the electronic system of the public health authorities. Employers must have it there by 31 December 2029 at the latest.
Work categories
Where risk factors are present in the workplace, the health risk assessment classifies the work into one of four categories according to the level of health risk (Section 31 of Act No. 355/2007 Coll.). Where no such factors are present, the work is not categorised. The category determines how often the risk is reassessed.
Category 1
Work without significant health risk, such as ordinary office work.
Assessment: when working conditions changeCategory 2
Exposure to work factors without exceeding the limits; no damage to health is expected.
Assessment: at least once every 24 monthsCategory 3
Limits are exceeded, or the risk is reduced by protective measures and PPE.
Assessment: at least once a yearCategory 4
Work with a very high level of health risk, classified only exceptionally and for no more than one year.
Assessment: at least once a yearFrequently asked questions about the occupational health service
Does every employer need an occupational health service?
Yes. Act No. 355/2007 Coll. requires anyone who employs at least one employee, including people on agreements and temporary workers, to provide an occupational health service for all employees.
What does an occupational health audit look like in practice?
After signing the contract, we arrange an initial audit or request the necessary documents depending on the nature of the operation. During the initial audit we go through the whole operation together and evaluate the working environment. We then prepare the documentation and, if needed, propose how to improve the working environment or reduce the risk. After that we remain available for your questions and for inspections by state authorities.
Are pre-employment work-related medical examinations mandatory?
Not for everyone. A work-related preventive medical examination is mandatory mainly for work classified in category 3 or 4, for work where a special regulation requires medical fitness, and in other cases under Section 30e of Act No. 355/2007 Coll. For category 1 and 2 work it is mandatory only in cases set by law (for example, category 2 work with exposure to carcinogens). Under Section 6 of Act No. 124/2006 Coll., the employer must assign employees to work with regard to their state of health, in particular the result of the assessment of their medical fitness for work.
Are periodic medical examinations mandatory for category 1 and 2 work?
For category 1 and 2 work, periodic preventive examinations are not mandatory, but we recommend having them once every 3 years. They are mandatory where required by a special regulation, for example once a year for night work, or once every 5 years for refresher professional training such as for forklift operators, load slingers, inspection technicians or welders.
Do we need operating rules?
You must have operating rules if required by law or a special regulation. Employers prepare them, for example, for work with noise or hazardous chemical, carcinogenic or biological factors. Operators need them, for example, in hairdressers and beauty salons, accommodation and sports facilities, schools and nursery schools, swimming facilities and healthcare facilities. We can prepare them for you as part of our Operating rules service.
Who inspects compliance with occupational health obligations?
State health supervision is carried out by the regional public health authorities. Medical examinations or operating rules may also be checked by labour inspectors. If your occupational health service is provided by us, we represent you on your premises at every inspection. We write about sanctions in our article Occupational health service and fines (in Slovak).
How much does the occupational health service cost?
We provide the occupational health service on its own, e.g. €26 per month excl. VAT for an office with up to 5 employees. The final price depends on the type of company and operation and on the number of employees. It works out better value together with OSH and fire protection in one flat fee (€79 per month excl. VAT for such an office). You see an indicative price online instantly and get a free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
What is an occupational disease?
An occupational disease is damage to an employee's health that arose in causal connection with their work, has been recognised by the relevant specialised centre, is included in the list of occupational diseases and arose under the conditions set out in a special regulation. The main aim of the occupational health service is to prevent it.
We take care of the occupational health service for you
Health risk assessment, work categorisation, medical examinations and representation during RÚVZ inspections. On its own or in one flat fee with OSH and fire protection.
