We at secova are pleased that you are concerned with the topic of mandatory instruction.
Because this is certainly not a topic that most people are enthusiastic about. ? Nevertheless (or perhaps precisely because of this) it is extremely important. Mandatory training is required by law and ensures that all your employees can recognize hazards, apply protective measures and react correctly in an emergency. Anyone who neglects this duty risks not only fines, but also greater liability in the event of damage.
The legal basis can be found in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, DGUV Regulation 1 and the Hazardous Substances Ordinance. The content varies depending on the sector and activity. However, the goal remains the same: safety, health and clear rules of conduct for everyone. Typical topics include fire protection, first aid, data protection, ergonomic working and handling hazardous substances. It is important that the instructions take place regularly and are documented.
This is exactly where our sam® software supports you. It assigns topics, reminds you of due dates, documents progress and stores evidence in an audit-proof manner. In this way, duty does not become a paper chaos, but a structured, digital process.
So now we wish you every success in implementing your mandatory instructions and hope that you even enjoy the topic a little with sam®!
What is mandatory training?
Mandatory instructions are legally prescribed training courses that employers must regularly provide for their employees. They serve to ensure safety, health and legal compliance within the company. This is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about raising employees’ awareness of dangers, obligations and correct behavior in everyday working life.
In contrast to voluntary training, mandatory training is a binding measure that must be demonstrably carried out. Employers who fail to comply with their duty to instruct not only risk fines, but also increased liability in the event of damage.
Legal basis
The obligation to provide instruction is enshrined in various laws and regulations.
The most important legal sources include:
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG) – Section 12 obliges employers,
to instruct employees sufficiently and appropriately on health and safety. - DGUV Regulation 1 – requires regular instruction, at least once a year.
- Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV) – Instruction is mandatory if employees handle hazardous substances.
- Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) – regulates instructions on ergonomic behavior and safety in the workplace.
- Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) – requires instruction on the use of work equipment and machinery.
This makes it clear that every industry and every company has certain mandatory instructions,
which can vary depending on the activity. They all pursue the goal of
to enable them to carry out their work safely and healthily.
Typical mandatory instruction
- Fire protection and behavior in case of fire
- First aid and emergency measures
- Occupational safety in the office (ergonomics, tripping hazards, VDU work)
- Handling hazardous substances
- Data protection and information security
- Working from home
- Machine safety and personal protective equipment (PPE)
These topics can be supplemented depending on the industry and workplace. It is particularly important that content is always kept up to date and adapted to new legal requirements.
Procedure for mandatory instruction
The process can be divided into four central steps:
- Select topic – Determine relevant instruction topic depending on the workplace.
- Assign employees – define target groups and organize training groups.
- Instruction – communicating content in a practical and understandable way.
- Secure proof – record documentation and signature or digital confirmation.
Modern digital solutions such as Secova’s instruction system make this process considerably easier, as topics are assigned automatically, progress is monitored and evidence is stored in an audit-proof manner.
Methods and didactics
Mandatory instructions can be carried out in different ways:
- Classroom training – classic instruction with an instructor, especially for practical exercises.
- E-learning – digital instruction, flexible and independent of time and place.
- Hybrid models – combination of face-to-face and online training.
The choice of method depends on the target group, the content and the operational circumstances. Digital learning methods such as sam® offer the highest efficiency and traceability.
Documentation and obligation to provide evidence
A mandatory instruction is only legally compliant if proof is available. This can be done in writing (signature lists) or digitally via software. It is important that the proof can be presented at any time – for example during an inspection by the employers’ liability insurance association.
With sam® from Secova, you automatically document every instruction so that you can provide audit-proof evidence at any time. This reduces administrative workload and increases compliance security.
Common mistakes and risks
- Carry out instructions only “pro forma”
- Use outdated content
- Documentation forgotten or incomplete
- Define target groups incorrectly
These mistakes can have serious legal and financial consequences in an emergency.
This makes a structured and digitally supported approach all the more important.
Further FAQ on the topic
Our complete article on everything you need to know about“Which instructions are required by law?“!
- What mandatory training must employers provide?
- Who is obliged to give instructions and when?
- Which safety instructions are required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act?
- How often must legally required employee training be conducted?
- What happens if prescribed employee training is not conducted?
Conclusion
Compulsory training is a central component of occupational health and safety and is required by law. They ensure that employees are aware of hazards, apply protective measures and can react correctly in an emergency. With digital solutions such as Secova’s instruction system, this process can be made efficient, legally compliant and transparent.
? Test now how easy mandatory instructions are with sam®:
Request a free demo now