Definition
As defined in the current Grand-Ducal Regulation, biological agent refers to:
- micro-organisms,
- genetically modified organisms,
- human endoparasites,
- and cell cultures
which can cause an infection, allergy or poisoning.
The aim of Title V, Book III of the Labour Code – The protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents, is:
- to protect employees against risks to their health and safety;
- to prevent any such risks that employees are exposed to, or may be exposed to, while at work.
The protection of workers
The amended Grand Ducal Regulation of 4 November 2014 on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work sets the minimum specific requirements to protect employees from risks to their health and safety resulting from (or that could result from) exposure to biological agents in the workplace, including through the prevention of these risks.
It is the employer’s responsibility to prevent the biological risk.
The employer must identify and assess the risks, and take preventative and protective measures to reduce them to an acceptable level.
The specific provisions with regard the protection of young employees, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and new mothers, are laid down in the Labour Code.
Genetically modified organisms
The amended law(*) of 13 January 1997 on monitoring the use and release of genetically modified organisms as well as the Grand-Ducal regulations taken for its implementation, lay down the provisions related to monitoring the use and the release of genetically modified organisms.
(*) Link to the basic act - the various amendments can be found in the “Relations” section