New rules on employee medical examinations take effect on 7 November
New rules on mandatory medical examinations for workers take effect on 7 November 2026. They replace the previous rules, which only partly met EU requirements, and focus on construction, agriculture and HoReCa.
The rules are set out in two regulations: one on health surveillance of workers exposed to occupational risks and one on mandatory medical examinations to prevent infectious diseases. Employers will pay for the pre-employment exam, periodic exams and the exam when an employee returns to work. They must also provide an additional exam at the employee’s request or on a specialist doctor’s recommendation. Temporary work agencies will cover exam costs for day labourers hired under individual employment contracts. In some cases, for example for pupils, costs will be covered by the mandatory health insurance funds.
What it means for you
- If you employ staff in construction, agriculture or HoReCa, check which exams are required and budget for them.
- Temporary work agencies should factor day labourers’ exam costs into their rates.
- Employees can ask for an additional exam at the employer’s expense.
Source: Logos Press, 04.11.2026