Mandatory health and safety training

Safety training is a legal requirement for employers. Depending on the risks and activities involved, various health and safety training programs must be implemented.

Amélie Peyre
Consultante HSE
Publication : 
03.11.2021
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Please note: This article concerns French legislation. The requirements described may not apply in other countries.

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Training employees is key to managing health and safety risks in the workplace. The labor code mandates numerous training programs. Let’s review these general and specific training programs.

‍General safety training

1- The obligation for general safety information and training

Employers must organize practical and appropriate safety training for:

  • newly hired employees;
  • employees changing workstations or techniques;
  • temporary workers, with the exception of those brought in for urgent work required by safety measures who already possess the necessary qualifications for the task;
  • employees returning to work after an absence of at least 21 days (at the request of the occupational physician).

The purpose of general safety training is to instruct employees on the precautions necessary to ensure their own safety and that of others working in the company. It is tailored to the size of the establishment, its activities, the risks present, and the nature of the employees' roles. During this training, employees will be provided with information explaining:

  • health and safety risks;
  • the measures taken to address them;
  • traffic and movement conditions within the company;
  • work execution procedures;
  • the protocol to follow in the event of an accident or emergency.

2- Enhanced safety training

Due to the specific nature of their roles (frequent changes in work locations or conditions, short-term assignments), employees on fixed-term contracts, temporary workers, and interns assigned to positions with particular health and safety risks are entitled to enhanced safety training.

Note: "Enhanced" does not necessarily mean more extensive than for other employees, but at a minimum, it must be equivalent to the training provided to permanent staff.

Specialized safety training

1- Chemical hazards

Workers receive training and information on the precautions to take to ensure their own protection and that of other workers present at the workplace:

  • instructions regarding hygiene measures to be followed;
  • the use of personal protective equipment.

This training can be provided in-house.

2- Chemical hazards – Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic (CMR) agents

Workers likely to be exposed to CMR agents receive safety information and training covering:

  • potential health risks, including additional risks due to tobacco use;
  • precautions to take to prevent exposure;
  • hygiene requirements;
  • the wearing and use of protective equipment and clothing;
  • measures to be taken by workers, particularly response personnel, for incident prevention and in the event of an incident.

This safety information and training are adapted to changes in risks and the emergence of new risks. They are repeated regularly. This information and training can be provided in-house.

3- Asbestos

Workers likely to be exposed to asbestos receive safety information and training covering:

  • potential health risks, including additional risks due to tobacco use;
  • precautions to take to prevent exposure;
  • hygiene requirements;
  • wearing and using protective equipment and clothing;
  • measures to be taken by workers, particularly response personnel, for incident prevention and in the event of an incident

This safety information and training are adapted to changing risks and the emergence of new risks. They are repeated regularly.

4- Specific asbestos training

Work involving the removal or containment of asbestos-containing materials

Workers assigned to work involving the removal or containment of asbestos-containing materials must receive training beforehand.

This training is conditional upon the worker presenting a document to the training organization certifying their medical fitness for the job.

This training complies with the requirements set out in Annex I of the Order of February 23, 2012, and the specific requirements set out in Annex II of the same Order.

The training durations are:

  • initial training: 5 days for operators, 10 days for supervisory staff;
  • refresher training: 2 days.

The training organization validates the knowledge acquired during the training by issuing an individual certificate of competence to the worker.

Interventions likely to cause the emission of asbestos fibers

Workers assigned to interventions likely to cause the emission of asbestos fibers must receive training beforehand.

This training is conditional upon the worker presenting a document to the training organization certifying their medical fitness for the job.

This training complies with the requirements set out in Annex I of the Order of February 23, 2012, and the specific requirements set out in Annex II of the same Order.

The training durations are:

  • initial training: 2 days for operators, 5 days for management staff;
  • refresher training: 1 day.

The training organization or the employer validates the skills acquired during training by issuing an individual certificate of competence to the worker.

5- Biological risk

Workers exposed to biological agents receive safety training covering:

  • health risks and hygiene requirements;
  • precautions to be taken to avoid exposure;
  • wearing and using personal protective equipment and clothing;
  • procedures for sorting, collecting, storing, transporting, and disposing of waste;
  • measures to be taken to prevent or mitigate incidents;
  • the procedure to follow in the event of an accident.

This training is provided in-house before workers begin any activity involving contact with biological agents.

It is repeated regularly and adapted to changes in risks, as well as whenever there is a significant change in work processes.

6- Work equipment

For all employees in the establishment:

The employer appropriately informs all employees in the establishment of the risks they face due to:

  • work equipment located in their immediate work environment, even if they do not use it personally;
  • modifications affecting this equipment.

For employees responsible for operation or maintenance:

The employer must appropriately inform employees responsible for the operation or maintenance of work equipment about:

  • the conditions for its operation or maintenance;
  • the instructions or guidelines applicable to them, particularly those contained in the manufacturer's manual;
  • the procedures to follow in foreseeable abnormal situations;
  • the conclusions drawn from past experience to help eliminate certain risks.

This in-house training is renewed and updated as often as necessary to account for any changes to this equipment.

For employees assigned to the maintenance and modification of work equipment:

Employees assigned to the maintenance and modification of work equipment receive specific training regarding the requirements to be met, the conditions for performing the work, and the materials and tools to be used.

This in-house training is renewed and updated as often as necessary to account for changes in the work equipment and corresponding techniques.

7 - Personal Protective Equipment

Employees required to use personal protective equipment receive adequate training, including practice in wearing the equipment as needed.

They are informed of:

  • the risks against which the personal protective equipment protects them;
  • the conditions for using this equipment, particularly the specific purposes for which it is intended;
  • the instructions or guidelines concerning personal protective equipment;
  • the conditions under which personal protective equipment is provided.

This in-house training is renewed as often as necessary to ensure the equipment is used in accordance with the operating instructions.

8- Noise

When a risk assessment indicates that workers are exposed to noise levels at or above 80 dB(A) or 135 dB(C) in the workplace, the employer must ensure that these workers receive information and training covering:

  • the nature of this type of risk;
  • the measures taken to prevent risks, and, in the event that exposure limit values of 87 dB(A) or 140 dB(C) are exceeded, the steps taken to eliminate or minimize the risks resulting from noise exposure;
  • the exposure limit values and the exposure action values established in Chapter One;
  • the results of noise assessments and measurements conducted, along with an explanation of their significance and potential risks;
  • the correct use of individual hearing protection;
  • the importance of and how to detect and report symptoms of hearing impairment;
  • the conditions under which workers are entitled to individual health monitoring;
  • safe work practices to minimize noise exposure.

This information and training must be provided with the assistance of the occupational health service and must be relevant to the findings of the risk assessment. It may be provided internally or externally.

9 - Mechanical vibrations

When a risk assessment indicates that workers are exposed to risks from mechanical vibrations (2.5 m/s² for hand-arm vibrations and 0.5 m/s² for whole-body vibrations), the employer must ensure that these workers receive information and training covering:

  • the measures taken to eliminate or minimize the risks resulting from mechanical vibrations;
  • the results of the mechanical vibration exposure assessments and measurements conducted;
  • the exposure limit values and the exposure action values;
  • the injuries that could result from the use of vibrating work equipment, as well as the importance of and how to detect and report symptoms of such injuries;
  • the conditions under which workers are entitled to individual health monitoring;
  • safe work practices to minimize the risks associated with exposure to mechanical vibrations.

This information and training is provided in collaboration with the occupational health service and must be relevant to the findings of the risk assessment. It may be provided internally or externally.

10 - Working in ATEX zones

The employer shall provide sufficient and appropriate training on explosion protection for individuals working in areas where explosive atmospheres may occur.

11 - Artificial Optical Radiation

When the results of the risk assessment indicate any possibility of exceeding worker exposure limit values, the employer shall implement appropriate information and training for workers, covering:

  • sources of artificial optical radiation present in the workplace;
  • health and safety risks that may result from excessive exposure to artificial optical radiation, as well as the applicable exposure limit values;
  • the results of the risk assessment and the measures taken to eliminate or reduce risks resulting from artificial optical radiation;
  • precautions to be taken by workers to ensure their own protection and that of other workers present in the workplace;
  • correct use of work equipment and personal protective equipment;
  • procedures to follow in the event of an accident;
  • how to identify and report harmful health effects of exposure;
  • the conditions under which workers are subject to individual health monitoring.

This information and training may be provided internally or externally.

Competent person for the use of laser equipment

When lasers are used, the employer must ensure that they possess, either personally or through their employees, the appropriate expertise to carry out the following tasks under their responsibility:

  • participation in the assessment of risks faced by workers operating near laser machines or equipment;
  • collaboration in the implementation of all measures on-site to ensure the health and safety of workers operating near laser machines or equipment;
  • cooperation in the continuous improvement of risk prevention based on the analysis of work situations.

12- Electromagnetic fields

The employer shall ensure that every worker likely to be exposed to risks related to electromagnetic fields receives all necessary information and training in accordance with the results of the risk assessment carried out under section 4.

This information and training, provided in-house, shall cover in particular:

  • the characteristics of electromagnetic field emissions;
  • the direct biophysical effects and indirect effects that may result from exposure to electromagnetic fields;
  • the measures taken to eliminate or reduce risks resulting from electromagnetic fields;
  • the precautions to be taken by workers to ensure their own health and safety and that of other workers present at the workplace, in particular the importance of reporting as early as possible to the occupational physician or occupational health professionals that they are equipped with implanted or non-implanted, passive or active medical devices;
  • the specific rules established for workers at particular risk;
  • the procedures to follow in the event of sensory or health effects, accidents, or exposure exceeding exposure limit values, as well as the procedures for reporting them.

13 - Electrical authorization

The authorization, issued by the employer, specifies the nature of the operations the worker is permitted to perform. Before issuing the authorization, the employer must ensure that the worker has received the theoretical and practical training required to understand the risks associated with electricity and the measures to be taken to work safely when performing assigned tasks.

The training, provided by a training organization, must be renewed every 3 years.

Workers also receive training in providing first aid to victims of electrical accidents before the arrival of a doctor or emergency services organized by public authorities. This training is provided in accordance with the instructions mentioned in the "care for electrical shock victims" notice, which, as a reminder, must be posted in electrical rooms.

14 - Operating machinery

The operation of self-propelled mobile work equipment and lifting equipment is reserved for workers who have received adequate training.

The purpose of this training is to provide the operator with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe operation.

Its duration and content must be tailored to the specific work equipment involved.

This training, provided in-house or by a training organization, is supplemented and updated whenever necessary.

To operate work equipment (tower cranes, mobile cranes, vehicle-mounted loading cranes, ride-on industrial trucks, mobile elevating work platforms, or remote-controlled or ride-on construction machinery), workers must hold a driving permit:

The driving permit is drawn up and issued to the worker by the head of the establishment, based on an assessment of the worker's aptitude and ability to operate the equipment.

This assessment takes into account the following three elements:

  • a medical fitness examination conducted by the occupational physician;
  • a verification of the operator's knowledge and skills for the safe operation of the work equipment;
  • knowledge of the premises and the instructions to be followed at the site(s) of use.

Note: the driving permit is conditional upon maintaining medical fitness.

For other machinery and lifting equipment exempt from the driving permit requirement, such as overhead cranes, for example.

The operation of self-propelled mobile work equipment and lifting equipment is reserved for workers who have received adequate training.

The objective of this training is to provide the operator with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe operation.

Its duration and content must be tailored to the specific work equipment involved.

This training can be provided within the establishment or by a specialized training organization. This training is supplemented and updated whenever necessary.

15 - Elevators and freight elevators

Any worker performing verification, maintenance, technical inspection, repair, or modification work on the following permanently installed equipment—elevators, freight elevators, and personnel lifts with a speed not exceeding 0.15 meters per second—including temporary workers or those on fixed-term contracts, must receive specific training from their employer. This training is renewed as often as necessary, particularly when new technologies are introduced.

This in-house training covers, in particular:

  • the risk assessment included in the safety study, to facilitate understanding and implementation of the organizational and technical measures it recommends;
  • the work methods and intervention procedures applicable to the equipment on which the worker may be required to perform tasks;
  • the work equipment and personal protective equipment that must be used.

The training includes a period of practical exercises carried out under the supervision of a tutor designated by the employer. This tutor possesses the necessary qualifications and is specifically familiar with the safety principles applicable to the interventions or work being performed.

The duration of the tutoring period is determined by the employer based on the worker's qualifications and experience. It allows the worker to acquire the practical skills corresponding to the theoretical content of the training.

Following the training and its assessment, the worker receives a certificate. It specifies the date of issue and the duration of the training.

16 - Scaffolding (assembly, dismantling, modification)

Scaffolding may only be assembled, dismantled, or significantly modified under the supervision of a competent person and by workers who have received adequate, specific training for the intended operations. This training includes:

  • understanding the scaffolding assembly, dismantling, or alteration plan;
  • safety during the assembly, dismantling, or alteration of the scaffolding;
  • measures to prevent the risk of falls of persons or objects;
  • safety measures in the event of changing weather conditions that could jeopardize the safety of the scaffolding or the people using it;
  • conditions regarding permissible structural loads;
  • any other risks that the aforementioned assembly, dismantling, and alteration operations may entail.

This training, provided within the company or by a training organization, is renewed and supplemented as often as necessary to account for developments in work equipment and corresponding techniques.

17 - Rope access work

Workers using rope access and positioning techniques receive adequate training specific to the intended operations and rescue procedures.

This training covers:

  • the safest behaviors and practices, using demonstrations whenever possible;
  • the chosen operating procedures if they have an impact on their own safety or that of other workers;
  • how protective and emergency devices work and the reasons for their use;
  • the procedure to follow when someone is involved in an accident.

This training, provided within the establishment or by a training organization, is renewed and supplemented as often as necessary to account for developments in this equipment.

18 - Radiation protection

Workers who may need to enter a supervised and/or controlled area receive training covering:

  • the characteristics of ionizing radiation;
  • the health effects that may result from exposure to ionizing radiation, and, where applicable, the impact of smoking during radon exposure;
  • the potentially harmful effects of exposure to ionizing radiation on an embryo, particularly in early pregnancy, and on the unborn child, as well as the need to declare a pregnancy as early as possible;
  • the name and contact details of the radiation protection advisor;
  • the measures taken to eliminate or reduce risks related to ionizing radiation;
  • the conditions for accessing restricted areas;
  • the specific rules established for pregnant or breastfeeding women, workers under 18, workers on fixed-term contracts, and temporary workers;
  • the procedures for monitoring individual exposure and accessing dosimetry results;
  • the procedure to follow in the event of an accident or incident;
  • the specific rules relating to a radiological emergency;
  • where applicable, aspects related to safety and the potential consequences of losing proper control of high-activity sealed sources.

When the worker is exposed only to radon, the information or training covers in particular:

  • the natural origin of radon and its transformation into radioactive solid particles;
  • the potential health effects and the interactions with smoking;
  • methods for preventing radon exposure;
  • the relationship between radon activity concentration in the air and the effective dose for a worker.

These two training courses, provided either in-house or by an external training organization, must be renewed at least every three years.

19 - Radiation Protection Officer (RPO)

The RPO must hold a certificate issued upon completion of radiation protection training. The certificate is valid for 5 years.

This training, through its various levels, sectors, and options, is tailored to the nature and scale of the radiological risk and the conditions under which the activity is performed. It is structured around two types of competencies—knowledge and practical skills—adapted to the work environment and associated risks.

This training is provided by a training organization.

The initial RPO training includes:

  • a theoretical module covering the fundamental principles of radiation protection and relevant regulations;
  • a practical module consisting of tutorials and hands-on exercises, incorporating simulations in suitable facilities specific to each sector and option.

The total duration of the level 2, industry sector, nuclear option training is 97 hours, representing the sum of the 84 hours for the dual option "sealed radioactive sources and unsealed radioactive sources" and the 13 hours for the nuclear module.

Training renewal

The renewal training includes a theoretical module and a practical module. It is available to any person holding a Radiation Protection Officer training certificate that is valid at the time of the knowledge assessment.

Specifically, the total duration of the level 2, industry sector, nuclear option renewal training is 31 hours, representing the sum of the 24 hours for the dual option "sealed radioactive sources and unsealed radioactive sources" and the 7 hours for the nuclear module.

20 - CAMARI

To operate industrial radiography equipment and categories of such devices, workers must hold a certificate of aptitude for handling equipment, known as "CAMARI".

Knowledge assessment tests

The issuance of the CAMARI by the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety is contingent upon passing the knowledge assessment tests it organizes, which include:

  • a written examination covering the learning objectives defined in Annex 1. Upon passing, the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety issues the candidate a provisional certificate valid for one year, allowing them to prepare for the oral examination;
  • an oral examination that takes place after a probationary period of at least three months.

During this probationary period, the candidate must have regularly operated at least one of the industrial radiology devices specified by the Nuclear Safety Authority decision provided for in Article R. 231-91 of the Labor Code for which they are applying. These operations are carried out under the supervision of a professional holding a valid CAMARI who is responsible for operations related to the use of the device. Furthermore, the candidate must participate in all operations necessary for the use of this device and the appropriate preventive measures, such as cordoning off areas, maintenance, storage, and transport. At the end of this period, the candidate prepares a report describing the actions they have taken along with the corresponding radiation protection measures. This report is submitted to the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety prior to the oral examination.

Upon passing the oral examination, the CAMARI is issued for a renewable five-year period.

21 - Prior training

To take the knowledge assessment examinations, candidates must complete training provided by a training organization that has at least one instructor who can demonstrate:

  • a qualification at least equivalent to level IV as defined by the Ministry of National Education in a technical or scientific field,
  • competence in radiation protection and at least one year of professional experience in the industrial radiology activity being taught.

The training is provided in three options:

  • electric X-ray generator;
  • particle accelerator;
  • industrial radiology device containing at least one radioactive source.

It consists of two modules, the learning objectives and minimum duration of which are defined in Annex 1 of the Order of December 21, 2007:

  • a theoretical module, covering the principles of radiation protection and radiation protection regulations, common to the three aforementioned options;
  • a practical module, specific to each of the aforementioned options.

The training organization issues a training certificate to each candidate, having first ensured that the learning objectives have been met. This certificate includes the following information:

  • candidate's last and first name;
  • candidate's date and place of birth;
  • option(s) taught;
  • date of each module;
  • name and address of the training organization.

22- Occupational First Aid

A staff member receives the necessary first aid training to provide emergency assistance in:

  • every workshop where hazardous work is performed;
  • every construction site employing at least twenty workers for more than fifteen days where hazardous work is performed.

The initial training lasts 14 hours. Every two years, the employee undergoes a 7-hour refresher course to maintain their skills. Furthermore, this training is provided by company SST instructors or training organizations.

As a reminder, workers trained in this way cannot replace nurses.

23 - Movements and Postures

Workers whose activities involve manual handling receive:

  • information on the risks they face when tasks are not performed in a technically correct manner;
  • adequate safety training related to the performance of these handling tasks.

During this training, which must be primarily practical in nature, individuals are instructed on the movements and postures to adopt in order to perform manual handling safely.

This training is provided in-house or by training organizations.

24 - Screen Work

The employer ensures that workers are informed and trained on how to use the screen and the workstation equipment in which the screen is integrated. More specifically, this information and training are provided in-house.

Naturally, every worker receives this training before their first assignment to screen-based work and whenever the workstation organization is substantially modified.

25 - Health, Safety, and Working Conditions training for CSE / CSSCT members

The Health, Safety, and Working Conditions (SSCT) training for CSE / CSSCT members aims to:

  • develop their ability to identify and assess occupational risks and their capacity to analyze working conditions;
  • introduce them to the methods and procedures to be implemented to prevent occupational risks and improve working conditions.

It is important to note that this training must be provided by an accredited organization.

The minimum duration is five days for companies with at least three hundred employees and three days for companies with fewer than three hundred employees. This training must be renewed once representatives have served their term for four years, whether consecutive or not.

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Photo credit: Dylan Gillis