- initial OHS training
- OHS induction training
- OHS training requirements
- szkolenia BHP
How many employers let a new hire start work "right away", with the thought "we'll do the training later"? The Polish Labour Code answers unambiguously: the employer must ensure the employee is trained in occupational health and safety before being allowed to start work (art. 237³ § 2 of the Labour Code). And since 8 July 2026 the cost of neglecting this duty has doubled - the fine for OHS violations now reaches PLN 60,000. In this article we explain exactly what initial OHS training covers, how long it takes, who may conduct it and how to document it.
The two parts of initial OHS training
Initial OHS training in Poland consists of two parts (§ 8 of the regulation on training in the field of occupational health and safety): general instruction (instruktaż ogólny) and, where required, job-specific instruction (instruktaż stanowiskowy). These are not two names for the same thing - they are different training courses, with different content, subject to different instructor requirements; the same person may deliver both if they meet both sets of requirements.
General instruction familiarises the employee with the basic OHS provisions of the Labour Code, collective agreements and work regulations, with the rules applicable in the given workplace and with first-aid principles (§ 9 sec. 1). It must be completed before starting work by all newly hired employees, students on internships and pupils in practical vocational training (§ 10 sec. 1).
Job-specific instruction concerns the specific work station: the work-environment factors present there, the related occupational risk, ways of protecting against hazards and methods of performing the work safely (§ 9 sec. 2). It applies primarily to employees at manual work stations and to everyone else exposed to harmful, arduous or hazardous factors (§ 11 sec. 1).
How long does initial OHS training take?
The regulation does not give a single figure, but the framework training programme (annex no. 1) sets minimums in lesson hours (45 minutes):
| Part | Minimum duration |
|---|---|
| General instruction | 3 lesson hours |
| Job-specific instruction | 8 lesson hours (2 hours for administrative and office employees exposed to arduous factors) |
For a typical manual work station this adds up to a minimum of 11 lesson hours, or 8 hours 15 minutes of clock time. Importantly, this time covers more than theory - the framework programme of job-specific instruction includes, among other things, a demonstration of the work by the instructor, a trial performance of the task by the employee and independent work under the instructor's supervision (4 lesson hours, or 3 clock hours). The duration of job-specific instruction should additionally be adjusted to the employee's vocational preparation, length of service and the type of hazards at the station (§ 11 sec. 4) - the less experience and the more hazardous the station, the longer it takes.
For minimum periodic training durations by job group, see How long does OHS training take?.
Who conducts each part?
The eligibility requirements differ between the two parts. General instruction is conducted by the OHS service employee, a person performing the OHS service's duties for the employer, the employer personally (if they perform these duties themselves) or an employee designated by the employer - provided they have the knowledge and skills to properly deliver the programme and a valid certificate of completing the required OHS training (§ 10 sec. 2).
Job-specific instruction is conducted by a person managing the employees, designated by the employer, or by the employer personally - but only if they have the relevant qualifications and professional experience and have been trained in the methods of conducting job-specific instruction (§ 11 sec. 5). This is a requirement that is often overlooked: a foreman who knows the job "inside out" is not enough if they have never completed training in instruction methods.
Special situations: transfers and changed conditions
Job-specific instruction is not a one-off formality. It is repeated in three situations (§ 11): when the employee is transferred to another manual work station or one exposed to harmful factors, when technical and organisational conditions change (a change of the technological process, work-station layout, or the introduction of new machines or harmful substances), and when the employee works at several stations - in that case the employee must receive instruction at each of them.
Documentation: the initial training card
Since 12 December 2025, employees may confirm completion of general and job-specific instruction in paper or electronic form. The head of the organisational unit confirms delivery of job-specific instruction and admission to work. Paper confirmation is made in writing on the initial training card. For electronic confirmation, the employer adds an annotation in the relevant signature space on the card and attaches the electronic document or a reproduction. The card and attachments are kept in the employee's personnel file (§ 12 of the regulation, as amended by Journal of Laws 2025 item 1640). An additional quality requirement is a knowledge test: job-specific instruction ends with a test of knowledge and skills, which is the basis for allowing the employee to work at the station (§ 11 sec. 6).
Key takeaways
- An employer may not allow an employee to start work without the required initial training; the fine for an OHS violation can reach PLN 60,000.
- Initial training includes general instruction (at least 3 lesson hours) and, where required, job-specific instruction: at least 8 lesson hours for manual and other exposed work stations, or at least 2 lesson hours for administrative and office employees exposed to nuisance factors.
- Instructors need not only knowledge but also a valid OHS training certificate (general instruction) and training in instruction methods (job-specific instruction) where required for the relevant instructor role.
FAQ - the most common questions about initial OHS training in Poland
Can initial OHS training be done as e-learning? As a rule, initial training is delivered as instruction (§ 8 of the regulation); electronic confirmation does not change the training format. Art. 67³¹ § 2 of the Labour Code provides an exception: for an administrative or office hire whose remote work is agreed when concluding the employment contract, the entire initial training may be delivered through electronic communication.
Does an office employee have to complete job-specific instruction? If harmful, arduous or hazardous factors are present at their work station - yes (§ 11 sec. 1). For office employees exposed to arduous factors, the framework programme provides a shorter version (min. 2 lesson hours).
Who may conduct general instruction? The OHS service employee, a person performing the OHS service's duties, the employer personally performing OHS-service tasks, or a designated employee with the knowledge and skills to deliver the programme and holding a valid certificate of completing the required OHS training (§ 10 sec. 2).
Does a re-hired employee have to complete initial training from scratch? Not always. Training before starting work is not required when the employee takes up work at the same work station with the same employer that they held immediately before concluding the next contract (art. 237³ § 2 of the Labour Code).
Does the initial training card expire? The card does not expire - it is a record of completed initial training, kept in the employee's personal file. Deadlines concern periodic training, which comes later.
Sources
- Regulation of the Minister of Economy and Labour on training in the field of occupational health and safety - consolidated text (Journal of Laws 2024 item 1327) - ELI
- Labour Code - consolidated text (Journal of Laws 2026 item 1245)
- Amendment to the OHS training regulation (Journal of Laws 2025 item 1640)
- Act of 11 March 2026 amending the Act on the State Labour Inspectorate and certain other acts (Journal of Laws 2026 item 473) - ELI
Legal status checked: 15 October 2026. This article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. For individual cases consult a lawyer or an OHS specialist.