Every company would like to keep its statistics low when it comes to accidents at work, so no company should neglect health and safety training. It is an employer's primary responsibility to look after the health and lives of employees by ensuring they have safe and hygienic working conditions. By raising awareness and the sense of responsibility among employees, we make sure that we have done everything we can to prevent unfortunate accidents, which can happen not only in hazardous occupations. In addition to this, it is worth pointing out the importance of regularly discussing potential accidents, to 
which have previously occurred at our workplace, in order to make employees aware of possible risks and how to avoid these incidents in the future. In addition to the compulsory training and the required health and safety regulations, additional training is recommended, such as first aid, which is particularly useful if such an accident already occurs, and fire safety training to ensure that all employees make sure that fire situations are prevented when carrying out any activities in the company. Anyone starting a new job must take part in health and safety training. The training should be organised and carried out by the employer or at the employer's request, e.g. by a training centre authorised to provide training in this field. OSH (occupational health and safety) refers to the totality of standards relating to working conditions. It is interdisciplinary in nature as it encompasses not only a set of rules but also a distinct field of science. Knowledge relates to ergonomics, economics and occupational medicine, and safety technology, among others. The rules for compliance with these principles are standardised in the Labour Code, which are controlled by the State Labour Inspectorate. The legislation distinguishes between two types of OSH training: initial training and periodic training.
Initial training
Before starting work in a new company on the very first day, an initial training course should be given to introduce the employee to the work and safety rules and regulations of the company, in order to avoid endangering his or her own life or health and that of others in the future. It is the employer's responsibility to provide this to anyone who is newly employed in his company. Training must be given to both contracted employees and apprentices or students. As part of the initial health and safety training, a general instruction and a position instruction are performed.
General instruction
Its purpose is to familiarise each newly recruited employee with first aid and health and safety regulations, which are contained in the regulations or the Labour Code. The person who undergoes the training receives a health and safety card. It is worth noting that its duration must not be less than 90 minutes.
Job briefing
Its task is to explain how to do the job safely. Instruction must last no less than six hours and is provided by a supervisor. The initial training card for health and safety at work also serves as proof of the training.
Periodic training in occupational health and safety
Essential training that is carried out during the course of employment so that the employee can continue to perform the duties of the position he or she is taking on. Aimed at recalling and organising existing knowledge and learning new organisational and technical solutions. Carried out by a health and safety specialist as a course, self-study or seminar. Depending on the work carried out and the type of work, the frequency of teaching is determined. Employers should hold the first of these within the first six months of starting work, and the rest of the people within 12 months. Subsequent ones must take place no less frequently than:
- once a year, in particularly hazardous work by workers
- once every 3 years, for all other manual jobs
- once every 5 years, for non-manual positions
- once every 6 years, for clerical and administrative staff
The periodic training organiser conducts a final examination to test the participant's knowledge and issues a certificate.
The trainee receives a certificate of completion after successfully passing a final examination to test the knowledge acquired. It is conducted by the organiser.
- Health and safety training should always take place at the employer's expense and during work. It can be carried out by: a safety officer in establishments with 100 employees or more the employer is obliged to set up an occupational health and safety service. In this situation, instruction may be given by an employee of the service.
- employer
- the person performing the tasks of the above service
- an employee designated by the employer if he/she holds a certificate of completion of the relevant health and safety training course
It is a fact that often frightens business owners to invest a lot of money in health and safety measures, but these are unavoidable costs if we care about the safety of our employees and therefore their productivity. Preventing accidents and illnesses in the workforce results in fewer redundancies, reduces sick leave and ensures that our employees turn up regularly and feel safe at work and that we do not incur additional costs for replacements. In the event of an accident or if an employee contracts an occupational disease, it is the employer who is held responsible. If various oversights are certified as not meeting health and safety standards, the consequences will be very high financial penalties. In addition, the injured party can claim compensation for the failure to provide adequate safety that resulted in injury. For new businesses, the investment may not seem like much, but in the light of running a business for many years, it is worthwhile to invest in improving safety. This is a strategic approach and has been developed by a number of qualified professionals. Our state supports companies that duly comply with health and safety rules. Subsidies are offered, tax breaks are given and the costs of running one's own business are reduced. As a result, our investments can even be split in half.
