Duration of health and safety training: New employees must undergo occupational health and safety training. According to the Labor Code, employers may refuse to hire employees who do not know the health and safety rules. The Labor Code clearly defines the obligations of employers regarding the need to train employees. Regulations of the Minister of Economy and Labor of 2004 specify the conditions for undertaking OHS training, including initial training and periodic training. The duration of the occupational health and safety training depends on the employee’s professional experience, seniority, the complexity of the activities performed by him and the risks in a specific workplace.

Initial health and safety training – duration

Initial health and safety training is the basis for new employees or employees changing jobs to start work. During the training, employees will learn about the different types of safety and health risks that need to be addressed in the performance of their job duties. In addition, they know the specific company regulations in the field of occupational health and safety and understand the recommendations regarding the proper implementation of the outsourced activities based on applicable health and safety regulations and principles.

Each participant of the initial health and safety training will gain knowledge in the field of first aid. This training will include general and on-the-job training.

With the exception of new hires and job changes, initial training must be given to apprentices and students who are apprentices at a particular company. The duration of general health and safety training is usually three hours, while on-the-job training lasts at least eight hours. For administrative and office workers only, initial training may be limited to two teaching hours.

Initial health and safety training is mandatory, regardless of the type of employment contract or working hours. Completion of such training is recorded in the employee’s file. The document confirming participation in the initial training is the health and safety training card. This type of training is always on the job and paid for by the employer.

General and workplace training – health and safety training

The task of general counseling is to provide employees with knowledge about labor law, work regulations and the main health and safety regulations contained in collective agreements. Employees must understand the health and safety rules that the company must follow, including the ability to provide first aid in the event of an accident.

The task of on-the-job training is to make employees aware of the hazards that may occur in a given workplace. He learned how to protect himself from possible hazards and how to do his job safely.

Duration of OHS training – periodic training

The frequency with which employees undergo periodic health and safety training depends on the workplace where they perform their duties. If an employee exposes himself to various threats to his health or life, he undergoes such training even once a year. The duration of the OHS training is 8 teaching hours, during which there is a lecture followed by a briefing.

Blue-collar employees undergo periodic health and safety training every three years, and administrative and office employees every six years. The scope of these periodic health and safety training courses varies.

The duration of the health and safety training for employees’ managers is 16 instructional hours. This applies to employers and people employed in the following positions: managers, warehousemen, foreman, technicians, designers, builders, engineers.

The training period for OHS services is 32 class hours, during which employees participate in courses and seminars. In addition, they must complete four practice lessons. The purpose of periodic health and safety training for all employees is to update the knowledge of health and safety at work.

Another task of such training is to familiarize employees with modern technological and organizational solutions in the field of health and safety introduced by the company. Training is mandatory for all employees, regardless of the nature of the employment contract: employment contract, civil law contract, internship, internship.

OHS training

Employees are not always willing to participate in occupational health and safety training. They do not know how useful this training is in the event of an accident. Having the right knowledge, they can use it to protect their own health and even the lives of their colleagues. For employers, health and safety training should not be another obligation resulting from the relevant regulations, but an opportunity to pass on important values ​​to employees so that they can create a safe workplace.

Another positive aspect of initial and periodic health and safety training is strengthening the relationship between management and subordinates. Well-trained staff also means better brand recognition and recognition from business partners. important! Participants’ attention was drawn to an interesting health and safety training, with an excellent lecturer bringing a breath of fresh air to a specific company, showing how education can affect its image.

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