An inspection from the National Labor Inspectorate is something that stresses many employers. However, if you keep records diligently, follow the regulations and properly prepare for the inspector’s visit, the entire process will go smoothly.

The National Labor Inspectorate is the Polish body supervising and controlling compliance with labor law provisions regarding, among others, employment and occupational health and safety rules. Pursuant to the adopted law, PIP may carry out inspections at all employers and entrepreneurs for whom work is performed by other natural persons. Depending on the situation, the inspection may be carried out at: the registered office of the inspected entity, its branches or subsidiaries, and the place where HR and financial documentation is stored.

The scope of the labor inspector’s control powers is wide. In fact, it can check all aspects relating to the employee’s legal situation. First of all, issues related to occupational health and safety at the position, employee documentation, working time, compliance with the right to annual leave, legality of employment, compliance with the amount of remuneration and other benefits resulting from the employment relationship are verified. If a PIP inspection has previously taken place, one of the inspector’s priorities is to check whether the previously issued order decisions and application requests have been implemented. Therefore, once the results and possible supervisory measures are received, they should be implemented in accordance with the deadlines provided for in the documentation.

In fact, the key is regular and reliable maintenance of employee and financial records, as well as compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. This is extremely important because not every PIP inspection must be announced in advance. Current powers allow inspectors to carry out inspections at any time of the day or night. However, it often happens that the employer receives information in advance about the inspector’s planned visit. Information may be provided by telephone, e-mail or in writing.

Therefore, as part of the preparations, you should review the documentation and check whether it is complete and properly maintained. Moreover, it should be organized to facilitate the inspector’s work and minimize the risk of possible errors. Additionally, it is worth paying attention to the orderliness in the rooms where work is carried out, as well as in toilets and common areas. This is due to the fact that the inspector inspects these rooms in order to eliminate irregularities. Of course, we recommend regular cleaning, which has a positive impact on the comfort and safety of work.

As an entity subject to inspection, you must provide the inspector with appropriate conditions for carrying out the inspection and the means necessary to do so. In particular this includes:

– documentation and materials requested by the inspector;

– technical equipment and (if possible) a separate room for the inspector;

– timely provision of oral or written information as part of the inspection being carried out and covered by it.

In case of any doubts, it is worth contacting the PIP inspector to better prepare for the inspection.

As an employer or an entrepreneur who is not an employer, read carefully the provisions of the Act on the National Labor Inspectorate and learn about your rights and obligations, as well as the rights of the labor inspector during the inspection. Thanks to this, you will gain control over the entire process and understand it even better. In addition, you will be aware of your rights and the inalienable powers of the person controlling your company. After the inspection is completed, you will receive a report. In the event of significant violations, decisions will be issued regarding supervisory measures to be followed.

Source:https://inzynieriabhp.pl/kontrola-panstwowej-inspekcji-pracy-przygotowanie/

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.