Occupational safety training - procedure, frequency and methods for effective training of employees

Occupational safety training — what is it and why is it important

Occupational safety training is a systematic preparation of enterprise employees aimed at developing knowledge, skills and attitudes that ensure safe work. The main goals are to prevent industrial injuries, comply with the requirements of Russian legislation and improve the safety culture at the enterprise.

A well-organized course allows not only to teach new skills, but also to reduce the risk of emergency situations. Occupational safety education is becoming especially important in the context of constant changes in legislation and new technological processes.

Who should undergo occupational safety training in an organization

According to the requirements of the Government of the Russian Federation, the following are required to undergo occupational safety training:

Managers and heads of departments;
specialists responsible for occupational safety;
all newly hired workers;
employees upon transfer to another position or change in working conditions;
personnel after industrial accidents.
In Moscow and other regions of Russia, a uniform procedure is in effect, approved by regulatory documents, which is mandatory for all organizations.

How to organize occupational safety training in a company

Organization of the training process begins with the preparation of a curriculum that takes into account the specifics of the company and production risks. The employer is obliged to:

appoint those responsible for conducting the training (usually a specialist or head of the occupational safety department);
select the form of teaching (internal or external training);
approve the procedure and timing of classes;
conduct personnel certification upon completion of the course.
It is important to comply with the provisions of current legislation and take into account the latest changes in regulatory documents, for example, in the relevant decrees of the Government of the Russian Federation.

Stages of training new employees in occupational safety

Training new employees includes the following stages:

Introductory briefing - conducted by a specialist or head of the occupational safety service upon hiring.
Primary briefing at the workplace - familiarization with the equipment, safety rules of a specific area.
Knowledge testing - carried out in the form of testing or oral questioning. The results are recorded in a special journal.
All stages must be carried out in accordance with the approved program and teaching methods.

How often is occupational safety training conducted?

The frequency of training depends on the position held and working conditions. In general, training is required:

upon hiring;
at least once every three years — for managers and specialists;
annually — for employees engaged in hazardous or harmful industries;
unscheduled — when working conditions change, new equipment is introduced, or incidents occur.
Companies are required to monitor compliance with deadlines, since failure to comply with the frequency may entail administrative liability.

How long does it take to train employees in occupational safety?

The duration of training depends on the category of employees. For example:

for workers — from 8 to 16 academic hours;
for specialists and managers — up to 40 hours;
for employees with increased risks — individually, depending on the program.
Training can be either in person or remotely — this is determined by the company's policy and the capabilities of the training center.

Traditional methods of training in occupational safety [heading H3]
The classic methodology includes:
• lectures;
• watching educational films;
• practical classes;
• equipment demonstrations;
• briefings.
Such forms of teaching allow employees to visually learn how to comply with occupational safety requirements.
Modern approaches — training via IT platforms and e-courses [heading H3]
In Moscow and other regions, more and more companies are switching to distance learning using LMS platforms. E-courses allow staff to undergo training at a convenient time, and the employer to automate knowledge testing.
This form is especially effective for office specialists, managers and enterprises with a geographically distributed structure.
The role of trainings, simulations and teamwork in training [heading H3]
Trainings, team exercises and emergency simulations help to form sustainable behavioral models and increase engagement. Such methods are particularly useful in industrial and construction environments where the level of production risk is high.

Occupational safety training by the employer — responsibilities and requirements

The employer is obliged to:

ensure timely training of personnel;
appoint a responsible person (head of the occupational safety service);
approve the training program;
organize knowledge testing;
maintain documentation on the completion of courses.
These requirements are regulated by RF Government Resolution No. 1 of 01.01.2021 and other regulations.

Can occupational safety training be entrusted to third-party specialists?

Yes, it is permissible to involve external specialists or accredited training centers. This approach is especially convenient for small and medium-sized enterprises that do not have their own occupational safety department.

An external center can not only conduct courses, but also help with the development of programs, organize knowledge testing and issuance of certificates.

Benefits of regular and high-quality occupational safety training

Key benefits:

reduced injury rate;
compliance with legal requirements;
increased employee knowledge;
development of a safe corporate culture;
minimization of fines and downtime.
Systematic occupational safety training is an investment not only in safety, but also in the stability and reputation of the company.

How to start implementing systematic occupational safety training in your company

Implementation steps:

Risk analysis — identify high-risk areas;
Planning — develop and approve a program;
Training — train personnel and conduct briefings;
Certification — test knowledge;
Monitoring — regularly assess the effectiveness and relevance of programs.
Properly organized personnel training and a systematic approach to occupational safety are the basis for safe and sustainable operation of the enterprise.