How often are periodic examinations due in Poland?

It depends on the hazards at the workstation; the frequency is set out in the methodological guidelines in Annex 1 to the regulation, and the doctor may set an earlier date (§ 2(1) and (2)). The date of the next examination is stated on the certificate (§ 3(4a) point 12).

Who pays for the examinations?

The employer (Article 229 § 6 of the Labour Code). Employees keep their pay for the time of the examination and are reimbursed for travel to another town (Article 229 § 3).

When is a follow-up examination needed?

After more than 30 days of sickness absence, to confirm fitness for the current job (Article 229 § 2).

PL · Expiry & renewal tracking

Polish periodic medical checks: keep track of the next date

A Polish employer may not let an employee work without a current medical certificate confirming no contraindications to the job (Article 229 § 4 of the Labour Code). The interval depends on workplace hazards and the doctor states the next date on the certificate; the employer issues the referral and pays.

Employees in Poland undergo periodic medical examinations and, after more than 30 days of sickness absence, a follow-up examination (Article 229 § 2 of the Polish Labour Code). The employer may not allow an employee to work without a current medical certificate confirming there are no contraindications to work in the conditions described in the referral (Article 229 § 4). Examinations are carried out on the employer's referral and at the employer's expense (Article 229 § 4a and § 6).

The Labour Code sets no single interval. The scope and frequency of examinations follow the methodological guidelines in Annex 1 to the regulation on medical examinations of employees and depend on the hazard involved. For noise, for example, the check is yearly for the first 3 years of exposure and every 3 years after that. The doctor may set an earlier date for the next examination if necessary (§ 2(1) and (2) of the regulation).

The medical certificate states the date of the next periodic examination, where applicable (§ 3(4a) point 12 of the regulation, added by the amending regulation of 20 March 2026). That is the date to track.

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At a glance

Legal basis	Article 229 of the Labour Code; regulation of 30 May 1996 (consolidated text Dz. U. 2023 item 607, as amended)
Frequency	Per the methodological guidelines (Annex 1); the doctor may set an earlier date (§ 2(2))
Next examination	Date stated on the medical certificate (§ 3(4a) point 12)
Referral	Issued by the employer (Art. 229 § 4a)
Cost and time	Paid by the employer, during working hours where possible, with pay retained (Art. 229 § 3 and § 6)
Follow-up examination	After more than 30 days of sickness absence (Art. 229 § 2)
Records	The employer keeps certificates and referrals (Art. 229 § 7)

Who is responsible?

The employer issues the referral, pays for the examinations and keeps the certificates (Article 229 § 4a, § 6 and § 7 of the Labour Code). Employees must undergo initial, periodic and follow-up examinations and follow the doctor's instructions (Article 211 point 5).

If the deadline passes

Without a current certificate, the employer may not allow the employee to work (Article 229 § 4). A person responsible for health and safety or managing employees who does not comply with health and safety rules is liable to a fine (Article 283 § 1 of the Labour Code).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add each employee and enter the date of the next periodic examination from the medical certificate as the expiry date.
Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the date and on the day itself, leaving time to issue the referral.
Assign a responsible person, such as HR; emails arrive in each recipient's language.
The employee can upload the new certificate through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
If the date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.

Frequently asked questions

How often are periodic examinations due in Poland?: It depends on the hazards at the workstation; the frequency is set out in the methodological guidelines in Annex 1 to the regulation, and the doctor may set an earlier date (§ 2(1) and (2)). The date of the next examination is stated on the certificate (§ 3(4a) point 12).
Who pays for the examinations?: The employer (Article 229 § 6 of the Labour Code). Employees keep their pay for the time of the examination and are reimbursed for travel to another town (Article 229 § 3).
When is a follow-up examination needed?: After more than 30 days of sickness absence, to confirm fitness for the current job (Article 229 § 2).

Sources

Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

Made for periodic medical examination (Poland)

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Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each periodic medical examination (Poland) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each periodic medical examination (Poland) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.