New employee safety induction checklist (PDF)
Checklist for the initial safety instruction (Erstunterweisung) of new employees before they start: 16 general topics from emergencies and first aid to reporting and health checks, a workplace part, comprehension check, repeat date and signatures.
As of PDFAMS Go editorial team
Free: sign up for the newsletter once and all templates are unlocked in this browser. You can unsubscribe at any time.
New employees know neither the hazards at their workplace nor the escape routes, first aiders and reporting channels. That is why safety instruction (Unterweisung) must take place on recruitment before work starts – during working hours, sufficient, appropriate and tailored to the workplace (Section 12 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, ArbSchG). The Workplaces Ordinance explicitly names dangerous situations, first aid, internal traffic, fire safety and escape routes and emergency exits (Section 6 ArbStättV).
The checklist splits the initial instruction (Erstunterweisung) into two steps: Part A with 16 general topics for the first working day, Part B for instruction at the workplace with hazards, protective measures, operating instructions and practical demonstration. It also covers a comprehension check, a follow-up talk, the repeat date and signatures. For group sessions, use the safety instruction record; for employees under 18, also use the template under Section 29 of the Youth Employment Protection Act (JArbSchG).
What the template contains
- PDF checklist with header data on the person, job, type of employment, language and onboarding contact
- Part A: 16 general topics from safety organisation, emergencies and first aid to PPE, hazardous substances, reporting, health checks and maternity protection
- Part B: table for workplace-specific instruction with hazards, protective measures, operating instruction and a “demonstrated / practised” column
- Completion section with comprehension check, follow-up talk, next instruction date and signatures
How to use the template
- 1
Prepare
Before the first working day, enter the job and workplace and copy the hazards and operating instructions from the risk assessment into Part B. Decide which language to use and who will accompany onboarding.
- 2
Instruct on day one
Go through Part A before work starts, ideally with a tour of escape routes, assembly point, fire extinguishers and first aid kit. Part B follows at the workplace: show the processes, fit the protective equipment, demonstrate operation and have the employee repeat it. Tick “N/A” for topics that do not apply.
- 3
Complete and follow up
Check understanding, collect signatures and enter the instruction in the instruction schedule or training matrix. After a few weeks, check the employee's working practice in a follow-up talk. The next instruction is due after twelve months at the latest, after six for young workers.
Legal basis
- Section 12 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG): instruction on recruitment before work starts, during working hours, specific to the workplace; for agency workers by the hiring company
- Section 4 DGUV Regulation 1: instruction at least once a year, documentation, understandable communication of the relevant regulations and rules
- Section 6 of the Workplaces Ordinance (ArbStättV): instruction on dangerous situations, first aid, internal traffic, fire safety, escape routes and emergency exits before work starts
- Section 12 of the Industrial Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV): instruction before work equipment is first used, date and names of those instructed recorded in writing
- Section 14 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV): oral, workplace-specific instruction based on the operating instruction, confirmed by signature
Frequently asked questions
What belongs in an initial safety induction?
Everything new employees need to know from day one: the hazards at their workplace and the protective measures, safe behaviour, emergencies, first aid, fire safety and escape routes, internal traffic, protective equipment, the applicable operating instructions and the reporting channels. The basis is the risk assessment (Section 12 ArbSchG, Section 6 ArbStättV). DGUV Rule 100-001 lists as instruction content in particular hazards, protective measures, behaviour, emergency measures and the relevant regulations and rules.
Who gives the initial safety instruction?
The employer is responsible. In practice, direct supervisors give the instruction because they know the workplace and processes and can observe behaviour on site. The occupational safety specialist, company doctor and safety representatives advise and contribute but, according to DGUV Rule 100-001, do not give instruction on their own responsibility. Agency workers are instructed by the hiring company (Section 12 (2) ArbSchG).
Can the initial instruction be done online?
Only in part. General content can be prepared digitally if employees can ask the instructor questions and their understanding is checked – according to DGUV Rule 100-001, simply handing over content for self-study is not enough. The workplace-specific part belongs at the workplace; for hazardous substances, Section 14 GefStoffV requires oral instruction.
You may use and adapt the template freely in your own company and for your own clients. It reflects the regulations named as they stand.
Never search a spreadsheet for a deadline again
In AMS Go, what this template covers lives in one system with reminders, history and records at the push of a button – mobile and with AI support.
Related guides
- Safety instruction
Safety instruction at work in Germany: duties, intervals and records
7 minRead - Organisation
Temporary agency work in Germany: safety duties of the hirer and the agency
7 minRead - Safety instruction
Online safety training in Germany: what e-learning may and may not replace
8 minRead - Operating instructions
Writing operating instructions in Germany: structure, content and duties
7 minRead
More templates
- Safety instruction
Safety instruction record template (PDF) and instruction plan (Excel)
PDF + ExcelFree download - Operating instructions
Operating instructions for machinery template (PDF) under Section 12 BetrSichV
PDFFree download - Safety instruction
Safety instruction for young workers template (PDF) under Section 29 JArbSchG
PDFFree download - Safety instruction
Contractor safety briefing template (PDF) with attendance list
PDFFree download
