Labour Inspectorate’s Work in the Retail Sector
The Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia regularly monitors compliance with labour legislation regarding working time, rest periods, overtime, and occupational safety and health, including in the retail sector.
In 2025, in activities classified under sections G 46 and G 47 of the Standard Classification of Activities, we carried out 415 inspections in the field of employment relations and 307 inspections in the field of occupational safety and health. We identified various violations and imposed both administrative and misdemeanor measures on employers.
In the area of employment relations, 321 violations were identified, resulting in 169 measures, most of which were of a misdemeanor nature. In the area of occupational safety and health, 613 violations were recorded and 182 measures imposed, the majority being administrative.
We would like to emphasize that, during inspections, we also examine received reports and complaints. We encourage whistleblowers to provide as much specific information as possible — such as the employer’s details, the type of violation, and the location and time of occurrence. We also invite trade unions to cooperate by providing concrete information about violations. This will make labour inspections even more effective.
Targeted Inspections – Manual Handling of Loads
Special attention has been given to occupational safety and health. As soon as the Rules on Ensuring the Safety and Health of Workers in Manual Handling of Loads came into force on 1 August 2024, the Labour Inspectorate began conducting targeted inspections across various sectors — including retail, construction, manufacturing, hospitals, and nursing homes.
This targeted inspection campaign continues in 2025. By September 2025, inspectors had carried out inspections at 222 employers, including:
- 85 employers with 1–9 employees,
- 86 employers with 10–49 employees,
- 36 employers with 50–249 employees, and
- 15 employers with more than 250 employees.
In total, 484 work tasks related to manual handling of loads were reviewed, including:
- 214 tasks involving lifting, holding, and carrying loads heavier than 3 kg,
- 140 tasks involving pulling and pushing loads, and
- 130 tasks involving repetitive manual handling.
Findings show that nearly half (47%) of the employers inspected — mainly smaller ones — had already properly assessed risks and established safety measures before the inspection took place.
Compliance with restrictions for pregnant workers was also reviewed. Results show that 22 employers (9.9%) fulfilled their obligations, none (0%) violated them, while at 200 employers (90.1%) there were no pregnant workers.
As part of the inspections carried out, the following measures were imposed:
- 154 administrative decisions,
- 5 warnings under the Inspection Act,
- 26 decisions on misdemeanours, and
- 38 warnings under the Minor Offences Act.
Our goal is to ensure compliance with labour and occupational safety legislation. We do not seek to emphasize penalties, which are a consequence of serious violations, but rather the elimination of irregularities and the improvement of working conditions for employees — including those in the retail sector.
Employers who consistently meet their obligations not only strengthen the trust of their employees but also contribute to greater safety, productivity, and the long-term success of their businesses.
Therefore, we call on all employers: comply with the law, invest in the safety and well-being of your employees, and build a culture of trust and responsibility.