COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON WORK ACCIDENTS AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES IN CZECH REPUBLIC AND IN PORTUGAL

Every year, thousands of workplace accidents occur in Portugal (PT) and the Czech Republic (CR), which can lead to permanent health consequences. Objectives: Present work aims to compare the legal framework regarding work accidents and occupational diseases in the CZ and PT, identify the main differences and similarities, and analyze the statistics of work accidents and diseases in both countries. Methodology: The work is based on a comparative analysis of national regulations on work accidents and occupational diseases, an analysis of statistics on work accidents and diseases. Results:The CZ emphasizes the prevention of work accidents, while PT focuses on post-accident support for workers in the form of compensation and rehabilitation. Statistics reveal differing areas of risk, with the CZ seeing frequent accidents in the manufacturing and transport sectors, while in Portugal, construction and fishing are the main areas of concern. Fatal accidents are more common in PT than in the CZ. Conclusions: The CZ and PT differ in their approaches to the prevention of work accidents and subsequent support for workers, with the CZ focusing on prevention and PT on compensation and rehabilitation. Cooperation between both countries may serve as a foundation for improving worker protection.