Topical Information

On 10 February 2026, NSORB-Active — the commercial arm of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria — held a practical online seminar titled “Occupational Accidents – Prevention, Financial Protection and New Occupational Injury Coefficients for 2026.”

In her opening remarks, Ludmila Velichkova, Manager of NSORB-Active, noted that this was the first seminar organized by the company specifically dedicated to occupational accidents. She emphasized that although the topic has not previously been in the spotlight, its importance for municipalities is undeniable. According to her, it is essential for local authorities to be well acquainted with the mechanisms for action in such situations — both in terms of reducing accident risks and avoiding potential sanctions.

The event brought together more than 60 municipal representatives from across the country, who actively participated in discussions on current issues related to occupational health and safety (OHS), risk management, and financial protection in cases of workplace accidents.

Legal Framework and Employer Responsibilities

In the first module, Eng. Rumyana Stamatova, Manager of the Occupational Health Service “SI Consult 2005” and an expert in occupational health and safety, presented a detailed overview of the legal framework governing workplace accidents.

She explained the definition of “occupational accident” under Article 55 of the Social Security Code, stressing that it covers not only incidents occurring at the workplace but also accidents on the usual route to and from work, as well as incidents occurring at specific locations related to the work process.

Particular attention was given to the employer’s obligations in the event of an occupational accident — including immediate notification of the National Social Security Institute and the Labour Inspectorate, investigation and registration of the case, and the employer’s material liability under Article 200 of the Labour Code, which applies regardless of fault.

Eng. Stamatova underlined that prevention, proper risk assessment, and strict compliance with legal requirements are key to protecting both employees and employers — including municipalities and their subordinate structures.

Insurance as a Tool for Financial Protection

In the second panel, Marian Ivanov, Manager of a branch office of “Broker Ins” Ltd. and an insurance specialist, presented the role of insurance as a primary instrument for financial protection in cases of occupational accidents.

He emphasized that Occupational Accident Insurance is not merely a formal legal requirement but a real safeguard against serious financial, administrative, and reputational risks for municipalities and their enterprises.

Ivanov provided a detailed explanation of the mandatory insurance coverage for activities classified under the National Classification of Economic Activities (NACE) with an occupational injury coefficient equal to or higher than the national average (0.65 for 2026). He outlined the covered risks — death, permanent disability, and temporary incapacity for work — and gave practical examples of compensation amounts, clarifying that these are separate from sick leave payments made by the National Social Security Institute.

The speaker also highlighted optional additional insurance coverages, such as medical expenses, daily hospital allowances, transport costs, surgery expenses, and funeral costs, which can significantly reduce the financial burden on the employer.

A particularly striking example was a real (anonymised) case study from practice, in which the absence of mandatory Occupational Accident Insurance resulted in severe sanctions and court proceedings against the employer, amounting to approximately EUR 150,000. This clearly demonstrated the consequences of neglecting insurance obligations.

In conclusion, Marian Ivanov recommended that municipalities also consider taking out Employer’s Liability Insurance, which can cover additional claims by injured employees beyond the compensation provided under mandatory Occupational Accident Insurance.