Frequently asked questions about occupational health

Yes, always. TTOS § 12 obliges all employers to arrange occupational health services regardless of the number of employees. In practice this is done by concluding a contract with an occupational health service provider. Even a company with one employee must arrange the service. Failure to comply is punishable: up to EUR 32,000 for a legal person (TTOS § 27-1 to § 27-5 (2)). If you have no contract, conclude one as soon as possible. Providers can be found in the Estonian Health Board register (medre.tehik.ee).

No, never. These are entirely different things. A training benefit is a voluntary employee benefit whose tax exemption is regulated by the Income Tax Act. An occupational health contract is a legal obligation (TTOS § 13) that a training benefit does not replace. Even if all employees go to a gym, the employer must have an occupational health contract.

Yes. Remote work does not exempt the employer from occupational health obligations (TTOS § 13). If a home-office employee uses a computer 5+ hours a day, the display-screen work health examination requirement applies; its frequency is set by the occupational health doctor, but the next examination may not be later than 3 years (TTOS § 13¹ (8)). Add a chapter on remote work to your risk assessment.

All providers with a valid activity licence are listed in the Estonian Health Board register at medre.tehik.ee. In the "Teenused" field select "Töötervishoiuteenused". Always verify the provider has a valid licence before signing a contract. (Source: tooelu.ee)

From 26 October 2026, the employer arranges a health examination for a new employee within six months of the start of work. The previous deadline was four months. Night workers undergo a health examination before starting night work. If an employee is exposed to biological agents, carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxicants, lead or asbestos dust, the health examination takes place before exposure begins. The health examination takes place during working hours and is paid for by the employer.

Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act apply from 26 October 2026 (RT I, 16.10.2026, 2). The first health examination must be done within six months of the start of work. All employers must carry out a risk assessment (exception: a one-person private limited company, TTOS § 1 (3¹)), but only employers with at least 10 workers must submit it to the database. The analysis of the company's occupational health situation is mandatory for employers with at least 10 workers. The employer organises the election of a working environment representative if at least 10% of workers wish to have one.

No. The six-month deadline that applies from 26 October 2026 does not cover these workers. Night workers undergo a health examination before starting night work. For exposure to biological agents, carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxicants, lead or asbestos dust, the health examination takes place before exposure begins. These rules have not changed. Minors must still undergo a health examination at least once a year.

Not always. If the employee underwent a health examination with another employer in the last six months for the same hazards and the same type of work, the employer may schedule the next check for the time specified in that health examination decision. To use this option, the employee gives you that health examination decision. If the hazards or the type of work differ, arrange a new check. This option also applies from 26 October 2026.

Not for all, but for many. A health examination is mandatory for employees exposed to health-damaging factors at work: noise, vibration, chemicals, biological agents, high physical load, display-screen work (5+ hours a day), etc. (TTOS § 13¹). Always mandatory for: employees under 18, pregnant employees, and employees in transport, catering and healthcare.

From 26 October 2026, the employer arranges the initial health examination within six months of the employee starting work (TTOS § 13¹ (6)). Night workers must undergo a health examination before starting night work. Employees exposed to biological agents, carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxicants, lead or asbestos dust must undergo a health examination before exposure begins (TTOS § 13¹ (7)). Minors are examined at least once a year.

The frequency is set by the occupational health doctor based on the risk assessment, but the next examination may not be later than 3 years (TTOS § 13¹ (8)). High-risk sectors (chemicals, mining, healthcare, catering): more frequently. Low-risk (office, display-screen work): up to once every 3 years.

The employer covers all costs of the health examination (TTOS § 13). The employee may not pay for it. The employer must also pay the employee's wages for the time of the examination.

Yes. The employer is obliged to assess hazards in the working environment (TTOS § 13). From 26 October 2026, employers with at least 10 workers must complete the risk assessment in the work environment database or submit it to the database (TTOS § 13⁴ (7)). Smaller employers still need a risk assessment, but they do not have to submit it. The risk assessment must be updated, for example, when working conditions or the work environment change significantly, when new work equipment or technology is introduced, or when an occupational health doctor finds a work-related illness (TTOS § 13⁴ (4)).

Up to EUR 32,000 for a legal person (TTOS § 27-1 to § 27-5 (2)). Up to EUR 1,200 for a natural person. Proceedings usually start with a precept, and repeated violations are followed by a fine.