Training in health and safety (OHS) is part of the obligations set out in the
Framework Directive 89/391/CEE. The employer shall take the necessary measures
to protect the safety and health of workers, including the prevention of
occupational risks, information for and training of workers . Moreover, in its
Communication on the Community Strategy 2007-2012 on health and safety at work,
the Commission stresses the importance of integrating health and safety
programs in education and training.

Training in health and safety is a fundamental factor for a policy of
prevention. Initial training is for students and apprentices, but continuous
training is needed for the workers, union representatives and employers
throughout working life.



EUROGIP was interested in this second aspect and compared OSH training to
companies, excluding initial training, in Denmark, Italy, United Kingdom and
Germany. The objective was to identify the actors providing ongoing (re-)
training and particularly mechanisms guaranteeing quality standards and
compliance of educational content with regulatory requirements.



Training in health and safety is organised differently in different countries.
In Denmark, it is not part of the missions of accident insurance agencies, but
delegated to private external providers. In Italy and the United Kingdom, it is
decentralized. In Germany, it is based on an institutional obligation of
statutory accident insurance institutions. Although the organisation of OSH
training varies between countries, there is a common aim to all these countries
to provide a better framework and structure training to ensure quality.

More information

AplusA-online.de - Source: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work