Zusammenfassung
Tools and machinery are indispensable in every company – but they also come with responsibility. Providing them alone is not enough: Those who provide work equipment must also inform employees about potential hazards and fulfill legal obligations.
A central component of this responsibility is the safe and correct instruction or training of employees. Both terms appear regularly in everyday business life, but are often confused or used synonymously – although there are clear differences.
But what is the difference between instruction and training? And why is their correct application so crucial when it comes to the Industrial Safety Ordinance, the Occupational Safety and Health Act , and other regulations?
In this article, we explain what instruction and training really mean , how they differ from each other, and what role they play in legally compliant and safe operation .
Legal basis: The framework for instruction and training
The legal basis creates clear guidelines for the safe handling of work equipment in the workplace. In particular, the Industrial Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV) obliges employers to provide employees with appropriate training on the handling and hazards of work equipment .
The term " instruction " is an integral part of legal texts – for example, in the Occupational Safety and Health Act, DGUV Regulation 1, or BetrSichV. The goal is not only to convey information, but also to sustainably empower employees to perform their tasks safely, correctly, and responsibly.
The term " instruction" is rarely mentioned in law, but in practice it is closely linked to instruction . It usually takes place directly on the equipment and teaches the specific operation and handling of a specific piece of work equipment —for example, during the initial introduction of new machines or equipment.
In summary, this means : Training is required by law, and instruction is a useful supplement to it in practice . Both measures are necessary to meet legal requirements and permanently ensure the level of safety in the company.
Instruction: Its meaning and function
Training is a central aspect of the company's safety culture and a legal obligation for every employer. It serves to impart knowledge and awareness to employees regarding the safe use of the work equipment provided. This includes not only proper operation, but also educating them about potential hazards associated with the use of the equipment.
Legal anchoring of instruction
The obligation to provide training is stipulated in the Industrial Safety Ordinance and other relevant laws and regulations. The terms "training" or "appropriate training" are used here to emphasize the necessity of training. An exception is the regulation in the UVV Industrial Trucks (BGV D27), which requires training for the independent operation of industrial trucks.
Who is responsible for the instruction?
The responsibility for training lies with the employer who assigns his employees to specific tasks. This regulation makes sense in practice, as only the employer can properly assess the specific hazards of an assignment. It also emphasizes the appropriateness of the training, which should be based on the potential hazards.
How often does training need to be provided?
The exact nature and frequency of the training is at the discretion of the employer, and the measures must be documented. The German Employers' Liability Insurance Association (BGV A1) requires at least annual training for employees to ensure ongoing awareness of workplace safety.
Training is therefore an essential tool for promoting safety and competence in the handling of work equipment and represents a central duty of care of the employer towards his employees.
The briefing: its meaning and function
In practice, instruction represents a significant initial step, especially when it comes to taking over machinery. It should not be confused with the legally required "training," as the term "instruction" is not explicitly defined in any legal regulation. Nevertheless, experience in the machine rental industry has shown that instruction is of great importance during the handover process to the customer.
Explanation of the functions
The training session serves to inform the customer about the functions of the machine they have acquired. Even if the customer has basic knowledge, it is not a given that they will be able to operate every machine. The training session provides the customer with an introduction to the specific functions and special features of each machine, establishing an initial level of safety.
Practical demonstration and functional test
During the training, all functions of the machine are demonstrated, which not only helps the customer understand the system but also allows them to test the machine's functionality in practice. The customer can use the demonstrated functions to verify that the machine is functioning properly.
Instruction does NOT replace instruction
ATTENTION: This briefing does NOT replace training provided by the employer. The briefing focuses on machine operation, while the training covers a broader spectrum, including safety guidelines and responsibilities at the job site. The law assigns responsibility for operating the machine at the job site to the employer, and the training serves as initial guidance.
Immediate and actual operators
It often turns out that the people who receive and are instructed on the machines are not necessarily the ones who will operate them on site. Therefore, the induction process emphasizes the need for comprehensive training by the employer to ensure that all operators have the necessary knowledge and understanding.
The instruction is therefore a practical and useful measure in the context of machine rental, which offers advantages to both the lessor and the customer and contributes to general safety, but does not replace the instruction provided by the employer.
Where can employees be trained?
The safety and competence of your employees is crucial for smooth operations and compliance with legal regulations. Training is a key measure in this regard. But where can you get professional training for your staff? Below you'll find an overview of the various options for training your employees on various topics.
Internal company training
Some larger companies conduct training internally. Experienced employees or managers with appropriate qualifications and knowledge are usually assigned to conduct the training.
External training providers
External training providers, such as SYSTEM LIFT partners, offer instruction and training on various topics through the SYSTEM-CARD training program. This option is useful when the company lacks the necessary resources or expertise. External providers often bring a fresh perspective and up-to-date knowledge.
Online instructions
In the age of digitalization, some providers also offer e-learning courses. These are flexible and can often be completed anytime and anywhere. They are particularly suitable for theoretical content and can be used to test acquired knowledge through tests and quizzes.
Professional associations and chambers of commerce
Professional associations and chambers of commerce often also offer instruction and training courses. These are generally very practice-oriented and also cover legal and regulatory aspects.
Manufacturer and supplier training
When it comes to specific machines or equipment, manufacturers or suppliers often offer training courses. These are particularly practical and address the specific features and operation of the respective equipment.
Conclusion: Instruction and instruction are easy to distinguish
Proper training and instruction of your employees is an essential step to both comply with legal requirements and ensure safety and efficiency in the workplace. While training covers a broad spectrum of safety policies and work procedures, induction focuses on the specific handling of machinery and equipment during handover.
BIBERGER is your reliable partner when it comes to training for work platforms, industrial trucks, and crane operator training. With our expertise, we support you in professionally training your employees and ensuring safe and legally compliant operations.
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