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Safety

"An induction? Just do what the others do."

You are deployed on machines / in hazardous areas without having received a safety briefing.

§ 12 ArbSchG / § 29 JArbSchG / § 4 DGUV V 1

The boss may NOT do that
Instruction is mandatory — before the activity, regularly!
The employer must instruct all employees about safety and health protection before starting the activity and afterwards at least annually (§ 12 ArbSchG, § 4 DGUV V 1). For young people additionally: before first employment and at least every six months (§ 29 JArbSchG). Content: specific hazards, protective measures, emergency rules. Documentation is mandatory (signature). Without instruction, you may refuse dangerous work.

What the law says

§ 12 ArbSchG – Instruction
The employer must instruct employees adequately and appropriately about safety and health protection at work during their working time. The instruction must take place before the activity begins upon hiring, upon changes in the area of responsibility, or upon the introduction of new work equipment or new technology.
§ 29 JArbSchG – Instruction on accident and health hazards
The employer must instruct young people, before starting employment and upon significant changes to working conditions, about the accident and health hazards to which they are exposed and about the facilities and measures to avert those hazards. They must give special instruction before first employing them on machines or at dangerous workplaces and when handling dangerous substances. The instructions must be repeated at appropriate intervals, but at least every six months.

What you can do

  1. Ask for the instruction IN WRITING — date, content, signature.
  2. If there is no instruction at dangerous places: refuse the activity → no breach of duty.
  3. Every six months for young people, annually for adults.
  4. Also have occupational-health provision (G examinations) clarified.
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