Information on the obligation to instruct

One of the most important duties for those responsible is to instruct employees. Every employee must be instructed about the hazards and stresses of the activities to be carried out. In addition, information must also be provided on the obligation to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), which must be made available in any case. In addition to the 6 occasions listed in the following legal text, instructions must be repeated regularly in order to prevent hazards, avoid accidents and reinforce correct behaviour in emergencies. According to § 14 of the Employee Protection Act, the following must be observed: Employers are obliged to ensure that employees receive sufficient instruction on health and safety. The instruction must take place during working hours. The instruction must be documented. If necessary, suitable specialists must be called in for the instruction. In any case, instruction must be given 1. before starting work, 2. in the event of a transfer or change in the area of responsibility, 3. when introducing or changing work equipment, 4. when introducing new working materials, 5. when introducing or changing work procedures and 6. after accidents or events that almost led to an accident, if this appears useful for the prevention of further accidents. The instruction must be geared to the workplace and the employee's area of responsibility. It must be adapted to the development of hazards and the emergence of new hazards. The instruction must also include the measures to be taken in the event of foreseeable operational disruptions. If necessary, the instruction must be repeated at regular intervals, in any case if this is stipulated as a risk prevention measure pursuant to § 4 para. 3 or in an ordinance to this federal law. The instruction must be adapted to the employees' level of experience and be given in a comprehensible form. For employees who are not sufficiently proficient in German, the instruction must be given in their native language or in another language they can understand. Employers must ensure that employees have understood the instruction. The instruction may also be given in writing. If necessary, employees must be provided with written operating instructions and other instructions. If necessary, these instructions must be displayed at the workplace.

From a certain number of employees, it is mandatory to appoint safety representatives in the company. These persons support the improvement of safety and health protection measures and are protected against professional disadvantages due to their activities. The number of safety representatives required depends on the size of the company.