Ensuring the health and safety of workers is not just an ethical issue, but a legal obligation for all companies in Spain. The training in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) It is one of the cornerstones of reducing accidents, improving the working environment and complying with current regulations. However, not all companies require the same training: the requirements vary depending on the sector, the role and the risks associated with the activity.
Legal framework for occupational health and safety training in Spain
Training in occupational health and safety is primarily regulated by the Law 31/1995 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks, which stipulates that employers are obliged to ensure that all workers receive sufficient and appropriate theoretical and practical training.
This Act is implemented through the Royal Decree 39/1997, which regulates occupational health and safety services and sets out how preventive measures should be organised within the company.
Furthermore, many sectoral collective agreements set out specific training requirements depending on the activity. This means that it is not enough to complete a generic training course: in many cases, the content needs to be tailored to the specific sector.
In summary, the regulations require that training must be:
- Job-specific
- Updated and adapted to the risks
- Delivered during working hours
- Free for the employee
Who should receive occupational health and safety training, and how often?
Health and safety training is neither optional nor limited to certain roles: All workers must receive it, regardless of their role or type of contract. This includes:
- Operational staff
- Middle management
- Executives
- Health and safety representatives
The training must be provided from the moment of joining of the employee and be updated whenever:
- Their roles are changing
- New technologies or processes are being introduced
- New risks are being identified
Although the law does not specify a fixed frequency in all cases, many sectors do so through collective agreements; it is therefore essential to check the regulations applicable to each sector.
Occupational Health and Safety Training by Sector: What Each Collective Agreement Requires
The requirements for safety training vary significantly from sector to sector.
Construction
It is one of the most demanding sectors. It requires compulsory specific training depending on the post (bricklaying, machinery operation, working at height, etc.), as governed by the sector’s collective agreement. Furthermore, it is common for the Professional Construction Card (TPC).
Hospitality
The training focuses on risks such as food handling, ergonomics, cuts, burns and kitchen safety. Although less extensive than the construction course, it remains compulsory and is tailored to the role.
Healthcare
It includes training in biological risks, patient care, the use of medical equipment and the prevention of infection. It is particularly important to keep this information up to date due to changes in protocols.
Industry
It requires specific technical training in machinery, chemicals, electrical hazards and safety in production processes. It is usually one of the most specialised.
Offices
Although the risks are lower, the training remains compulsory. It focuses on ergonomics, psychosocial risks, eye strain and work organisation.
Transport
It includes training in safe driving, fatigue management, load handling and road safety regulations. It may also include specific training depending on the type of goods being transported.
Consequences of failing to comply with occupational health and safety training requirements
Failure to comply with occupational health and safety obligations can have serious consequences for the company, both financial and legal. Penalties are classified as follows:
- Minor: up to approximately €2,000
- Bass: may exceed €40,000
- Very serious: may exceed €800,000
In addition to fines, there is the potential for criminal liability in the event of a serious workplace accident resulting from a lack of training.
We must also take into account the reputational impact and indirect costs: sick leave, loss of productivity and a deterioration in the working atmosphere.
How to organise occupational health and safety training efficiently
Managing occupational health and safety training effectively is key to complying with regulations without disrupting business operations. Some key points:
- Choosing the right format: Training may be face-to-face, online or a combination of both, provided it complies with the sector’s legal requirements.
- Making the most of bonuses: Through FUNDAE, many training courses are eligible for funding, thereby reducing the cost to the company.
- Planning training: Incorporating it into an annual plan prevents last-minute changes and ensures compliance.
- Document the entire process: It is compulsory to keep records of attendance, course content and assessments.
Digitising training management makes it easier to monitor progress and ensures that no employee is left out of the process.
Checklist: Is your company up to date with occupational health and safety training?
To check whether your company is complying with its occupational health and safety obligations, you can use this basic checklist:
- Have all employees received initial training?
- Is the training tailored to each role?
- Is it updated when there are changes to processes or tools?
- Are training records kept?
- Are the requirements of the sectoral agreement being met?
- Has the annual training been planned?
If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, it’s time to take action.
Having access to specialised solutions such asEduca.Pro enables you to manage occupational health and safety training centrally, to comply with regulations and ensure that equipment is ready and protected.
