Health and Safety Induction — Your Employer's Obligation, Your Right
Before you start work at a new workplace in Poland, your employer is legally required to conduct a health and safety induction (szkolenie BHP wstępne). This applies to every worker — regardless of nationality, contract type, or length of employment. As a Nexflow temporary worker, you have the full right to this training and it cannot be waived.
What Is the H&S Induction (Szkolenie BHP Wstępne)?
The szkolenie BHP wstępne (mandatory initial H&S training) is compulsory for every new employee before starting work. Its purpose is to familiarise you with:
- hazards specific to your workstation,
- rules for performing work safely,
- procedures in the event of an accident or emergency,
- the responsibilities of both employee and employer under Polish H&S law,
- first aid and evacuation routes.
Two Parts of the H&S Induction
1. General Instruction (Instruktaż Ogólny)
Conducted by the H&S officer or a designated company representative. Covers company-wide safety rules: workplace regulations, evacuation routes, first aid procedures, and use of protective clothing. Minimum duration: 3 teaching hours (1 hour = 45 minutes).
2. On-the-Job Instruction (Instruktaż Stanowiskowy)
Conducted by your direct supervisor or a qualified colleague. Covers your specific workstation — hazards, working methods, machine operation, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Minimum 8 hours for high-risk workstations (forklifts, production lines, machinery).
When Does the Induction Take Place?
The induction must take place before you are allowed to start work — at the very beginning of your first working day, before any actual duties begin. Your employer cannot legally permit you to work without completing it.
The H&S Induction Card (Karta Szkolenia Wstępnego BHP)
After completing the induction, your employer issues an H&S induction card (karta szkolenia wstępnego BHP) — a document confirming that you have received the training. This card is kept in your personnel file. You are entitled to ask for a copy.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE / ŚOI)
As part of H&S induction, your employer must inform you about and provide any required PPE at no cost. This may include:
- safety helmet (kask),
- protective gloves (rękawice),
- safety footwear with steel toecaps (buty z noskiem),
- high-visibility vest (kamizelka odblaskowa),
- hearing protection (ochronniki słuchu) for noisy environments,
- dust mask or respiratory protection.
You may refuse to work if required PPE has not been provided.
What to Do If a Workplace Accident Happens
- Immediately inform your supervisor or employer.
- Call emergency services: 112 (general emergency) or 999 (ambulance).
- Do not disturb the accident scene without your supervisor's authorisation — this is essential for the accident report procedure.
- Your employer must prepare an accident report (protokół powypadkowy), which gives you the right to ZUS compensation benefits.
Can H&S Induction Be Done Online?
Since 2023, the general instruction part of the induction (instruktaż ogólny) may be conducted via e-learning. However, the on-the-job instruction (instruktaż stanowiskowy) must always be conducted in person at your workstation.
Nexflow and Your Safety at Work
Nexflow ensures that every temporary worker is directed to the mandatory H&S induction before starting work at a client company. If you have any concerns about safety at work or believe H&S rules are being violated, report it to your Nexflow coordinator. You can also file an anonymous complaint with the National Labour Inspectorate (Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy — PIP).
Key Takeaways
- H&S induction is mandatory for every new employee — no exceptions.
- Two parts: general instruction + on-the-job instruction at your workstation.
- Must be completed before you start any duties on your first day.
- You receive an H&S induction card — keep a copy.
- PPE must be provided by your employer at no cost to you.
- If safety rules are violated, report it to Nexflow or PIP.