Occupational health in practice:
how does it actually work?
You know occupational health is a legal requirement. But you're not sure where to start, what exactly is needed, or what it costs. This page explains all 4 steps in plain language - exactly as the process works in a small company.
Why not put it off?
The Labour Inspectorate (Tööinspektsioon) inspects companies with as few as 5-15 employees. When violations are found, the fines are real: for breaches of occupational health and safety requirements, a legal entity may be fined up to €32,000 (TTOS § 27-1 to § 27-5 subsection 2). Common violations include the absence of a risk assessment, failure to organise health surveillance, and the absence of an occupational health physician contract. Moreover, if an employee is involved in a workplace accident and your documentation is not in order, you are personally liable. This is not about box-ticking - it is your own protection.
The good news: getting everything in order takes 1-2 weeks and costs less than you might think for a small company. See the pricing →
4 steps, from first contact to full compliance
This is how it actually works. No bureaucratic jargon.
You request a quote - 5 minutes
Fill in a short form: number of employees, sector, contact details. Nothing complicated. You receive a personalised quote based on your company's needs.
Fill in the form now →You sign the contract and receive the documents - 2-5 working days
Once you accept the quote, an occupational health service contract is signed. The service provider prepares the risk assessment basis and the health surveillance schedule for your employees. You sign the contract; everything else is coordinated by our physician.
The occupational health physician assesses your workplaces - first visit within 1-2 weeks
The physician visits your company (or assesses working conditions based on a written description for office-based work). First visit: assessment of workplace environment risks, risk assessment, health surveillance referrals for all employees whose role requires one, and recommendations for the employer.
Employees undergo health surveillance - documentation in order
Employees attend health surveillance within the period set by the physician (the law allows 4 months). You receive a summary for each employee stating whether they are medically fit for their role. All documents are completed and archived - you are fully compliant.
What does the employer need to prepare?
Just three things - we handle everything else.
Employee list
Names, job titles, and main duties. A spreadsheet or simple list is fine.
Description of working conditions
A brief overview of working conditions: whether there is physical load, noise, chemicals, display screen work, night shifts, etc. No need for a formal document - plain text is fine.
Contact details and signature
Company registration number, the name and contact details of the responsible person. A digital signature is sufficient to sign the contract.
Never done a risk assessment? That is not a problem. Preparing the risk assessment is included in the occupational health service - the physician will do it on the first visit. You will not be penalised for the past if you act now.
What happens, and when?
A realistic timeline for a company with 10-30 employees.
Day 1
You complete the quote request
5 minutes. You describe your company briefly. You then receive a personalised quote.
Days 2-5
Contract signed, foundation documents ready
Once you accept the quote, the contract is sent for digital signature. After signing, you immediately receive a certificate confirming the contract is in force - sufficient if an inspector asks.
Weeks 1-2
Physician's first visit to your company
The occupational health physician assesses working conditions, draws up the risk assessment and health surveillance referrals. You receive a clear list of who needs to attend health surveillance and when.
1-4 months
Employees attend health surveillance
The law allows 4 months from the employee's start date (for some roles, before the first working day). Appointments take place during working hours; the employer covers the costs in full.
Outcome
Full compliance - peace of mind
All documents are completed and archived. You have the completed risk assessment, health surveillance records, and annual report. The next mandatory review is in 1-3 years - we will remind you.
What happens after the first visit?
Occupational health is not a one-off event, but it need not be burdensome.
Periodic health surveillance
Every 1-3 years depending on the role. The physician draws up the schedule and notifies you in good time.
New employees
Adding a new employee is straightforward - just let us know, and the physician issues a referral. Health surveillance within 4 months of starting work.
Annual report
The occupational health physician prepares an annual working environment review - a mandatory document for the employer.
Labour Inspectorate inspection
If an inspector visits, all documents are ready: the contract copy, risk assessment, and health surveillance records.
Ready to get started?
You receive a personalised quote with no obligation. Our occupational health physician will answer all your questions before the contract is signed.
Valvekliinik · Ülemiste linnak, Tallinn · info@tt24.ee · +372 5 911 0909