What are the occupational safety and medical aptitude rules?
Hungarian employers must make sure employees can work without risk to their health and safety, under Act XCIII of 1993 on occupational safety. One part of this is the medical aptitude exam (munkaköri alkalmassági vizsgálat), an occupational health check that confirms an employee is fit for the job. Since September 2024 it has been required only in certain cases.
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From 1 September 2024, a medical exam is no longer required for every job. Under section 49 of the occupational safety act, fitness must be decided on the basis of a medical exam where a law requires it, for example for jobs with specific health risks, or where the employer decides to require one. Employees who work at night regularly, or for at least a quarter of their annual working time, must be examined before they start and at regular intervals. Whenever an exam is required or ordered, the employer must provide it free of charge.
Risk assessment and safety training
Every employer must have a risk assessment that evaluates the risks to employees’ health and safety, including from work equipment, hazardous substances, workloads and the layout of workplaces.
Employees must receive safety training when they start work, when their job or workplace changes, and when new equipment or technology is introduced. The training takes place in working time and is recorded in writing, with the topics covered and the participants’ signatures. Until they have the knowledge it provides, employees cannot work on their own. The employer must also provide basic occupational health services for all employees, in-house or through an external provider.
Occupational safety when you hire through an EOR
With TopSource as your Employer of Record in Hungary, we check whether the role needs a medical aptitude exam and arrange it before the start date where it does, and we make sure safety training and occupational health services are in place, working with you on the conditions at the place of work.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pre-employment medical exam mandatory in Hungary?
Not for every job since 1 September 2024. It is required where a law prescribes it, such as for night workers and jobs with specific health risks, or where the employer decides to require one.
Who pays for the medical aptitude exam in Hungary?
The employer, free of charge to the employee, whenever a law requires the exam or the employer orders it.
When must Hungarian employees receive safety training?
When they start work, when their job or workplace changes, and when new equipment or technology is introduced. The training takes place in working time and is recorded in writing.
Related terms in Hungary
- Written Employment Information (Hungary)
- Fixed-Term Employment Limits (Hungary)
- Simplified Employment (Hungary)
- Overtime Cap (Hungary)
- Telework and Home Office Rules (Hungary)
- Additional Leave (Hungary)
- Protected Periods and Dismissal Justification (Hungary)
- Termination by Mutual Agreement (Hungary)
- Non-Compete Agreement (Hungary)
- Works Council and Collective Agreements (Hungary)
- Guest Worker Permit and Single Permit (Hungary)