In this article, we will discuss why it is essential to undergo occupational safety training and what consequences may arise from not doing so.

1. Employer and Employee Responsibilities

According to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation (LC RF), every organization is obligated to ensure the safety of its employees. The employer must create conditions that eliminate the risk of workplace accidents and occupational diseases. One of the ways to achieve this is through employee training in occupational safety.

At the same time, employees are required to follow safety instructions, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and undergo knowledge assessments in safety matters. This is also outlined in the Labor Code and other regulatory acts. The occupational safety training program is designed to raise employees’ awareness of potential risks at the workplace and the precautionary measures to prevent them.

2. Preventing Injuries and Diseases

The main goal of occupational safety training is to minimize risks associated with performing professional duties. In manufacturing, construction, transportation, and other sectors, there are hazards that can lead to serious injuries or diseases. Training helps employees understand how to avoid these risks. For example, this could involve the proper use of equipment, safe methods for handling hazardous materials, or adherence to fire safety protocols.

Safety training enables employees to:

• Respond effectively in emergency situations,
• Avoid standard risks and unforeseen dangers,
• Perform their work with minimal threats to health.

Trained employees are much less likely to become victims of accidents, as they know the steps to take to prevent incidents.

3. Compliance with Legislation

In Russia, occupational safety training is regulated by federal laws, government decrees, orders, and internal company regulations. According to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, every employer is required to organize safety training and knowledge checks for their employees. Failure to meet these requirements may result in penalties.

Training helps ensure compliance with legal requirements and avoid fines, sanctions, and other negative consequences. It also guarantees that the company is fulfilling its obligations before regulatory authorities such as the Federal Service for Labor and Employment (Rostrud) or safety inspection agencies.

4. Professional Development and Skill Enhancement

Occupational safety training can be viewed as part of professional development for employees. After completing the training, employees not only become familiar with basic safety principles but also acquire additional knowledge and skills that help them in their professional activities.

Additionally, employees who have completed safety training can apply for promotions and access to work that involves higher risks. This is particularly important in industries such as construction, energy, and transportation, where safety requirements are much stricter.

5. Corporate Social Responsibility Implementation

Training employees in occupational safety is not only about meeting legal obligations but also an important step in implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles. Caring for the health and safety of employees helps build a positive image for the company and fosters trust among clients, partners, and workers.

Companies that invest in occupational safety training demonstrate their commitment to safety, employee well-being, and sustainable business development. Effective training programs contribute to greater employee loyalty and enhance corporate culture.

6. Economic Benefit for the Enterprise

Accidents and occupational diseases can lead to significant financial costs for employers. These include fines, compensation for damages, loss of work time, treatment expenses for injured employees, and the need to repair damaged equipment.

Undergoing occupational safety training helps reduce the number of injuries and accidents, directly contributing to reduced financial losses. Employees who know how to work safely and avoid hazardous situations help maintain production capabilities and resources, which, in turn, positively impacts the company’s profitability.

7. Psychological Comfort for Employees

Working in a safe environment increases employees’ trust in their employer and reduces workplace stress. When workers are confident in their safety, it leads to greater engagement in their work, higher productivity, and greater job satisfaction.

Completing occupational safety training also reduces the likelihood of panic in emergency situations, as employees already know how to react, allowing for quick and effective problem resolution.

Conclusion

Occupational safety training is not just a mandatory formality but an essential element that helps preserve employee health, prevent accidents, comply with legal requirements, and ensure the long-term effectiveness of an organization. It not only improves workplace safety but also contributes to the formation of a corporate culture focused on protecting the interests of employees. Therefore, occupational safety training is an integral part of the successful and safe operation of any company.

| Get training on labor protection

Violation of labor protection requirements can lead to various types of liability, which are provided for by the legislation of the Russian Federation. Depending on the nature and consequences of the violation, administrative, disciplinary, financial or criminal measures may be applied to employers, officials and employees.

Administrative responsibility

Fines, suspension of the organization’s activities or disqualification of officials are provided for non-compliance with labor protection standards. The grounds for imposing fines are established by the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation (Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation), in particular, Article 5.27.1.

Disciplinary responsibility

Employees who violate labor protection regulations may be disciplined in the form of a remark, reprimand, or dismissal in accordance with the Labor Code of the Russian Federation (art. 192).

Financial responsibility

If the violation resulted in damage to the employer or third parties, the perpetrator may be required to compensate for the damage caused (Article 233 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation).

Criminal liability

In case of serious harm to the health or death of an employee as a result of violation of labor protection requirements, the perpetrators may be prosecuted under articles 143 and 216 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which provides for fines, forced labor or imprisonment.

Compliance with labor protection requirements is the responsibility of the employer and employees, and their violation entails serious consequences both for the violators themselves and for the company as a whole.

 

An occupational safety specialist is an employee responsible for creating and maintaining safe working conditions at an enterprise. Its main task is to prevent accidents, occupational diseases and ensure compliance with the requirements of legislation in the field of occupational safety.

Duties of an occupational safety specialist

1. Documentation development – preparation of local regulations, instructions, regulations and orders on labor protection.
2. Conducting briefings is the organization of introductory, primary, repeated, unscheduled and targeted briefings for employees.
3. Compliance monitoring – regular inspections of workplaces, assessment of working conditions and detection of violations.
4. Occupational risk assessment is the analysis of hazards in an enterprise, the development of measures to reduce them.
5. Personnel training is the organization and conduct of courses on occupational safety, fire safety, electrical safety and other areas.
6. Interaction with government agencies – preparation of reports, participation in inspections and control over the execution of regulations.
7. Accident investigation – analysis of the causes of accidents, preparation of relevant documents and development of preventive measures.

Requirements for an occupational safety specialist

• Higher or secondary professional education in the field of occupational safety, technosphere safety or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of labor legislation and regulations on labor protection.
• Experience in a similar position would be an advantage.
• The skills of documentation management, conducting briefings and organizing training.
• Responsibility, attentiveness, and the ability to analyze potential risks.

The importance of the profession

The work of an occupational safety specialist plays a key role in ensuring the safety of employees and reducing occupational injuries. Thanks to his activities, conditions are created under which work becomes not only productive, but also safe. In modern conditions, enterprises, regardless of their field of activity, pay great attention to labor protection, which makes this profession in demand and promising.

 

Work-at-height tasks are considered high-risk activities and require a specific approach to planning and control. To ensure worker safety and minimize risks, a permit-to-work system is used — an official document that authorizes such tasks under specific safety conditions.

What Is a Permit-to-Work?

A permit-to-work is a document issued before the start of work at height. It confirms that:

• The tasks are permissible under the specified conditions.
• All necessary safety measures have been implemented.
• Responsible persons have been assigned to oversee and control the process.

The document also outlines the safety requirements and precautions to prevent accidents.

Why Is a Permit-to-Work Needed?

1. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment:
   Before issuing the permit, a thorough analysis of the site and working conditions is conducted. This helps identify potential hazards and determine ways to mitigate them.
2. Ensuring Safe Conditions:
   The permit-to-work includes a list of measures to minimize risks, such as:
   • Installing barriers or guardrails.
   • Using fall protection systems.
   • Inspecting equipment and tools for safety compliance.
3. Assigning Responsible Persons:
   The permit specifies the individuals responsible for:
   • Monitoring work progress.
   • Conducting safety briefings.
   • Enforcing compliance with safety regulations.
4. Monitoring Safety Compliance:
   The permit-to-work ensures that all participants understand the risks and follow established safety measures during work.
5. Documenting Compliance with Regulations:
   The permit serves as proof that the employer has taken all necessary measures to protect workers’ safety.

When Is a Permit-to-Work Required?

A permit-to-work is mandatory for the following activities:

• Work performed at a height exceeding 1.8 meters.
• Tasks involving scaffolding, lifts, or ladders.
• Work in confined spaces or under adverse weather conditions.

Key Stages of Permit-to-Work Issuance

1. Issuing the Document: The supervisor appoints a responsible person for the work and approves the permit-to-work.
2. Worker Briefing: A detailed safety briefing is conducted, explaining the rules for working at height.
3. Inspection of Working Conditions: Ensuring the availability of fall protection systems, proper equipment, and compliance with site safety requirements.
4. Work Monitoring: Responsible personnel oversee compliance with safety measures during the work process.

Conclusion

A permit-to-work for work-at-height tasks is a critical safety tool that reduces injury risks and facilitates the effective organization of high-risk activities. It is mandatory for dangerous work activities and is governed by current legislation.