New law grants Moldova labor inspectors power to halt dangerous work
Moldovan labor inspectors have been granted the power to enter any workplace at any hour, day or night, without prior notice, following a law passed by Parliament in its final reading on December 18.
The new legislation, approved by 56 MPs, marks a significant shift in how the state monitors occupational health and safety. Under these rules, inspectors no longer need to warn employers before a visit. Instead, they can launch immediate raids based on annual plans, specific complaints, or internal proposals approved by the State Labor Inspectorate leadership.
Upon arrival, inspectors must present their official credentials. They are now legally empowered to interrogate employers, employees, or anyone present at the site, either privately or in the presence of witnesses.
The reform gives inspectors real teeth to enforce safety. Following an inspection, they can issue immediate warnings or levy fines and initiate legal penalties. Crucially, if an inspector identifies an "imminent risk" to life or limb, they can move to suspend operations immediately. In such cases, the State Labor Inspectorate must petition a court within three days to validate the shutdown.
Marcel Spătari, head of the Parliamentary Committee for European Integration, noted that the final version of the bill includes concessions for the business community. While inspectors have broad access, every raid must be officially registered to prevent abuse of power.
"We have streamlined requirements for entrepreneurs, removing previous obligations to provide communication tools to inspectors," Spătari stated. "However, for unannounced checks, inspectors must notify their superiors to ensure full traceability within the system."
The legislative crackdown comes as workplace safety remains a critical issue in Moldova. Official data reveals a grim reality: last year, 662 labor accidents were reported, 74 of which were fatal. The trend has continued into 2025, with 515 accidents and 56 deaths recorded by the end of September.
The most dangerous sectors remain construction, agriculture, hospitality (HORECA), manufacturing, and transport. The construction industry is particularly lethal; in 2024 alone, 17 out of 28 recorded accidents in the sector resulted in death.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
