Work categorisation remains one of the most important prevention tools in the Czech occupational health and safety system. Since 1 January 2026, an amendment to Decree No. 432/2003 Coll. (Decree No. 402/2025 Coll.) has been in force, fundamentally changing the exposure limits for several risk factors. The changes affect noise, vibration, chemical substances, dust, heat, cold and physical strain. They have a direct impact on how work is categorised, how often occupational health examinations are carried out and whether the pension savings contribution must be paid. Rescue Group helps companies update their risk assessments and categorise work correctly under the new limits.
What exactly Decree No. 402/2025 Coll. changes
Decree No. 402/2025 Coll. brings fundamental changes to Annexes 1 and 2 of Decree No. 432/2003 Coll., which set the exposure limits for risk factors in the workplace. The aim is to bring Czech legislation closer to European Union requirements and reduce the incidence of occupational diseases in the long term.
The most significant changes concern several key areas. The daily noise exposure level LAeq,8h for classification in category 3 has fallen from 85 dB(A) to 82 dB(A). This means that work that previously fell into category 2 now often moves into category 3. Similarly, the limit for whole-body vibration has been tightened – the daily exposure value A(8) has been reduced from 0.8 m/s² to 0.5 m/s².
Another major change is a stricter limit for respirable dust containing free crystalline silica, which has fallen from 0.1 mg/m³ to 0.05 mg/m³. This will affect construction, mining and aggregate processing in particular. For chemical substances, new or lower permissible exposure limits (PEL) have been introduced for some substances, such as formaldehyde, diisocyanates and lead.
These changes have a direct impact in practice. Many types of work previously assessed as category 2 will now be classified as category 3. This automatically triggers more frequent periodic occupational health examinations and the obligation to pay a 4% contribution to supplementary pension savings for the employees concerned. Employers have until June 2026 to update their risk assessments and reclassify work under the new limits.
How the changes affect work categorisation
Work categories are determined by whether exposure exceeds the set limits. The new values mean:
- Work in noise of 82–85 dB(A) – now category 3 (previously category 2)
- Work with whole-body vibration of 0.5–0.8 m/s² – now category 3
- Work with dust containing silica above 0.05 mg/m³ – now category 3
- Work with certain chemical substances – moved to a higher category
The employer must update the risk assessment within 6 months of the amendment taking effect (by June 2026). If work newly falls into category 3 or 4, the employer must:
- Inform employees of the change
- Arrange more frequent periodic examinations
- Start paying the 4% pension savings contribution
- Update the resilience plan and preventive measures
How to go about the update
The first step in implementing the new limits is a thorough review of the existing risk assessment. The employer compares the currently measured exposure values with the new exposure limits under Decree No. 402/2025 Coll. If any factor exceeds the new threshold, the work is automatically reclassified into a higher category – most often from category 2 to category 3.
The whole update process then involves several key steps. First, new exposure measurements must be carried out for all relevant risk factors, such as noise, vibration, dust, chemical substances or physical strain. Next, the entire health and safety documentation is updated, including risk identification, assessment and proposed preventive measures. The employer must inform all affected employees and the trade union (if there is one in the company) of the change in classification and its consequences. The change must be reported to the competent regional public health authority. Finally, new occupational health examinations are arranged for the reclassified employees, with the dates adjusted to the new category.
At Rescue Group we carry out complete updates of risk assessments and work categorisation exactly according to the current limits. Our specialists measure exposure using accredited methods, evaluate changes compared with the original situation and propose specific measures to reduce risks. In this way we help companies not only meet legal requirements, but above all protect employees’ health effectively and minimise future costs related to occupational diseases or penalties.
Q&A: frequently asked questions about the new limits
Do I have to reclassify all work immediately?
No. The risk assessment must be updated by June 2026. Until then, the old limits apply.
What if exposure only just exceeds the new limit?
Even a minimal exceedance means category 3. Measures must be taken to reduce exposure.
Do the new limits also apply to office work?
No. Category 1 is not affected by the changes. They mainly concern industry, construction and transport.
What penalties do I face if I do not carry out the update?
Fines from CZK 50,000 to 2,000,000. The labour inspectorate and the public health authority check that obligations are met.
How much does a new exposure measurement cost?
It depends on the number of factors measured and the size of the operation. At Rescue Group we provide a tailor-made quote.
The new 2026 limits – an opportunity for better prevention
Decree No. 402/2025 Coll. has brought stricter exposure limits and higher prevention requirements. Many types of work will now be classified as category 3, which means more frequent examinations, the pension savings contribution and the obligation to take further measures. These changes are not just an administrative burden – they are an opportunity to reduce real risks and protect employees’ health.
Updating the risk assessment and work categorisation in good time will prevent fines and improve workplace safety. We help companies with exposure measurements, reviewing their categorisation and proposing preventive measures. Our specialists will make sure your health and safety system complies with the new limits and is tailored to your operation.
Keep your workplace safe with our professional services.
