Safety instruction (Unterweisung)
Also: Unterweisung, safety briefing, toolbox talk
Definition
Safety instruction is the workplace-specific briefing of employees on hazards and protective measures. In Germany, it is mandatory before starting work, when things change and at least once a year, and it must be documented.
The legal basis is Section 12 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Section 4 of DGUV Regulation 1; for hazardous substances, Section 14 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance requires instruction based on the operating instructions, and young people must be instructed every six months. Content and scope follow from the risk assessment; besides the annual cycle, occasions include new work equipment, accidents or transfers.
The date, topic, content, instructor and participants are documented – traditionally by signature, increasingly digitally. Electronic instruction is permitted if understanding can be checked and questions can be asked; practical exercises, for example on PPE against falls from height, cannot be replaced.
Legal basis
- Section 12 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Section 4 DGUV Regulation 1
- Section 14 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance
- Section 29 of the Youth Employment Protection Act
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Related terms
This glossary entry gives a general overview of German occupational safety law and does not replace legal advice. The regulations in force and the rules of the statutory accident insurance institutions are authoritative.
