Uzbekistan moves to modernize industrial safety legislation

The initiative to overhaul the legal framework stems from the rapid development of new industrial sectors and the widespread implementation of high-risk technologies. Legislators noted that an analysis of recent industrial accidents and workplace injuries highlighted the need for more stringent oversight and updated protocols.

Enhanced financial protection and auditing

One of the central pillars of the new bill is the establishment of minimum insurance amounts for mandatory civil liability insurance. This ensures that in the event of an accident at a hazardous facility, there are guaranteed funds available to cover damages.

Furthermore, the legislation introduces a formal audit system for industrial safety management. This auditing process is designed to:

• Evaluate whether existing systems meet established safety requirements.
• Analyze the effectiveness of current measures used to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Develop specific mechanisms to rectify any identified deficiencies.

The bill also seeks to strengthen the role of public control, allowing for greater oversight of safety compliance at both hazardous and potentially dangerous sites.

Broader focus on fire safety

This legislative push follows a related move in February, when the Legislative Chamber began reviewing a bill focused on tightening fire safety controls. That document proposes a ban on the use of combustible construction materials and introduces specific technical requirements for buildings based on their hazard category.

Under the proposed fire safety regulations, the rights and obligations of design organizations, developers, contractors, and management companies will be clearly defined. Additionally, the bill aims to increase the personal responsibility of officials regarding fire safety standards.