Training

Training is an integral part of a company’s internal occupational health and safety plan -  with close links to the company’s risk assessments and operating instructions. It is the duty of the employer to provide his/her employees with appropriate training.

Where does this duty to provide appropriate training come from?

The duty to provide employees with appropriate training is governed by Section 12 of the Federal Act on the Implementation of Measures of Occupational Safety and Health (ArbSchG). This states very clearly who is responsible. “The employer shall give workers sufficient and appropriate training regarding safety and health protection at work during their hours of work.” (Section 12 (1) ArbSchG).

On which topics does training need to be provided?

Whether formal training is required in a specific area of work or workplace, is normally determined by a respective risk assessment. For some topics, this decision has already been made by the legislator or accident insurance association. In such cases, formal training is mandatory. The DGUV statutory accident insurance association regularly publishes documents on these topics as a training aid.

Please find below an example for working where there is a fall hazard:

• Section 12 ArbSchG - Basic training obligation
• Section 3 PSA-BV - Training on the use of personal protective equipment in the workplace
• Section 4 DGUV Regulation 1 - Instruction of insured persons
• Section 31 DGUV Regulation 1 - Special instruction for PPE that provides protection against fatal hazards
• DGUV Principle 312-001 - Requirements pertaining to trainers providing instruction in PPE & rescue equipment
• DGUV Rule 112-198 - The use of personal fall protection equipment
• DGUV Rule 112-199 - Rescue from heights and depths using personal fall protection equipment
• DGUV Information 211-005 - General information on training

The DGUV also provides a range of additional information describing individual areas of work that involve the use of PPE (e.g. working on a mobile elevating work platform).

Here is a summary of the most important information

• Training is the responsibility of the employer.
• The employer can delegate the training measures.
• The employer can, for example, commission external companies to carry out the training.
• Training must be done at least once a year.
• A written record must be made of the respective training measures.
• The proportion of theoretical to practical training depends on the individual training topic.
• In the case of PPE, practical training under realistic conditions is mandatory.

Working where there is a danger of falling and the use of PPE equipment are dangerous and can result in serious or fatal injury. Regular training protects individuals from using the equipment incorrectly and creates a safe environment.