The answer is regulated by the Labor Code of the Russian Federation and the Government Decree No. 2464 dated December 24, 2021. Let’s take a closer look.
1. All Newly Hired Employees
Every person entering a job, regardless of their position, must undergo an introductory occupational safety briefing. This is a fundamental requirement ensured by the employer. After the general briefing, a primary safety instruction at the workplace is carried out, and, if necessary, on-the-job training (internship).
Even employees in office positions with minimal physical risks must be familiar with general safety rules, fire safety, emergency evacuation procedures, and protocols in case of emergencies.
2. Managers and Technical Specialists
This category includes directors, department heads, engineers, and occupational safety personnel. According to the law, these individuals must undergo occupational safety training and knowledge assessments at least once every three years through accredited training centers.
These employees are responsible for organizing the production process and ensuring that safety requirements are followed by their teams. Therefore, they bear personal responsibility for workplace safety.
3. Workers Performing Hazardous Jobs
This includes employees involved in:
- working at heights,
- welding,
- confined space operations,
- heavy equipment assembly/disassembly,
- electrical installations, and more.
These workers are required to complete special occupational safety training and receive safety briefings before starting hazardous tasks. They must also undergo internships and periodic knowledge assessments according to industry-specific regulations.
4. Personnel Appointed as Safety Officers
If an employee is officially designated as responsible for occupational safety, they must undergo comprehensive training. They should be capable of:
- conducting and documenting safety briefings,
- maintaining occupational safety records,
- participating in accident investigations,
- assessing workplace conditions and risks.
Without this training, such personnel cannot legally fulfill their responsibilities.
5. Individual Entrepreneurs (IEs)
According to the law, individual entrepreneurs who hire employees under employment contracts must ensure occupational safety training for both their workers and themselves. Even with a small staff, compliance with safety regulations is mandatory.
If the entrepreneur personally performs work requiring special training, they too must undergo the necessary preparation, especially if the work involves elevated risks.
6. Employees Transferred to New Positions
When an employee is transferred to a new role, especially one involving different working conditions, a new safety briefing and, if necessary, additional training must be conducted. This is because the risks, equipment, and safety protocols may differ from their previous position.
7. Employees Whose Certification Has Expired
Occupational safety training and certification have an expiration period—typically three years. After that, retraining and re-certification are required. In the event of violations, accidents, or updates in the legal framework, unscheduled training becomes mandatory.
Conclusion
Occupational safety training is an obligation—not a privilege. It must be completed by:
- all employees, regardless of their position;
- managers and specialists;
- workers in hazardous occupations;
- those responsible for safety;
- individual entrepreneurs with hired workers;
- employees transferred to new roles;
- and those whose previous certification has expired.
Timely and proper training is an investment in workplace safety, employee health, and legal protection for the employer. Ignoring these requirements can result not only in fines but also in serious harm to human life and health.
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