Will Construction Sites Impose Heavy Fines for Not Having Occupational Safety Cards from July? Ministry of Labor: There's a 1-Year Buffer Period
Taiwan's Ministry of Labor clarified that while occupational safety cards will be mandatory from July 1, there will be a one-year buffer period. It emphasized prioritizing promotion and guidance, contrary to media reports of immediate heavy fines.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 21:14
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TAIPEI, April 28 (CNA) – Media recently reported that the Occupational Safety and Health Act will be implemented on July 1, stipulating that only workers with occupational safety cards can enter construction sites. The Ministry of Labor today clarified that there will be a one-year buffer period for the relevant regulations and will be promoted on the principle of 'prioritizing promotion and guidance.'
The China Times reported previously with the title 'Up to 3 million fine for entering construction site without occupational safety card' that the newly amended provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act will be implemented on July 1. The Ministry of Labor announced a draft amendment to the 'Construction Safety and Health Facilities Standards,' stipulating that construction sites should control entry to only workers holding occupational safety cards. Violators could be fined up to NT$3 million, and it was even stated that construction industry operators believe the new system was implemented too hastily.
In response, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the Ministry of Labor today specifically pointed out through a text message that this system is promoted in conjunction with the amendment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and related sub-laws. It is expected to be implemented from July 1 this year. The purpose is to strengthen basic safety and health education and training for construction workers before entering the site. However, considering that businesses still need an adaptation period to implement the above regulations, a one-year buffer period will be planned after the system is implemented.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also stated that this system was established with reference to international practices, such as the UK system and Singapore's Safety Pass system. The core is 'train first, then work,' stipulating that workers must complete at least 6 hours of construction work safety and health education and training and obtain an occupational safety card before entering the construction site to reduce the risk of occupational disasters from the source.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration emphasized that subsequent promotions will follow the principle of 'prioritizing promotion and guidance.' In addition to strengthening and expanding training channels and resources, it will also assist construction operators in inventorying the training and card-holding status of site personnel, gradually establishing entry control mechanisms, and planning to provide free training courses for small and medium-sized construction businesses or workers without fixed employers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration stated that the primary purpose of promoting this system is not punishment. The current draft is in the public notice period. In addition to continuing to collect opinions from all parties for research and inclusion in the revised provisions, relevant supporting measures are also planned to assist businesses in implementing legal compliance. (Editor: Li Hengshan) 1150428
The China Times reported previously with the title 'Up to 3 million fine for entering construction site without occupational safety card' that the newly amended provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act will be implemented on July 1. The Ministry of Labor announced a draft amendment to the 'Construction Safety and Health Facilities Standards,' stipulating that construction sites should control entry to only workers holding occupational safety cards. Violators could be fined up to NT$3 million, and it was even stated that construction industry operators believe the new system was implemented too hastily.
In response, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the Ministry of Labor today specifically pointed out through a text message that this system is promoted in conjunction with the amendment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and related sub-laws. It is expected to be implemented from July 1 this year. The purpose is to strengthen basic safety and health education and training for construction workers before entering the site. However, considering that businesses still need an adaptation period to implement the above regulations, a one-year buffer period will be planned after the system is implemented.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also stated that this system was established with reference to international practices, such as the UK system and Singapore's Safety Pass system. The core is 'train first, then work,' stipulating that workers must complete at least 6 hours of construction work safety and health education and training and obtain an occupational safety card before entering the construction site to reduce the risk of occupational disasters from the source.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration emphasized that subsequent promotions will follow the principle of 'prioritizing promotion and guidance.' In addition to strengthening and expanding training channels and resources, it will also assist construction operators in inventorying the training and card-holding status of site personnel, gradually establishing entry control mechanisms, and planning to provide free training courses for small and medium-sized construction businesses or workers without fixed employers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration stated that the primary purpose of promoting this system is not punishment. The current draft is in the public notice period. In addition to continuing to collect opinions from all parties for research and inclusion in the revised provisions, relevant supporting measures are also planned to assist businesses in implementing legal compliance. (Editor: Li Hengshan) 1150428