What OSH training must employers provide to workers in Azerbaijan?

Employers in Azerbaijan must give every new or transferred worker OSH instruction, teach safe working methods and first aid, and, since 16 January 2026, repeat the instruction at least every 3 months for harmful, heavy or high-hazard work and at least once a year for all other work. Employers and managers must attend OSH training and pass a knowledge check at least once every 3 years.

Short answer

• Before work starts: induction OSH instruction for new and transferred workers, safe work methods and first aid (Labour Code Art. 219.4). No one may start harmful, heavy or high-hazard work without prior instruction (Art. 219.5).
• Repeat instruction (Art. 219.6, added by Law No. 332-VIIQD of 30 December 2025, in force 16 January 2026): at least every 3 months for harmful and heavy work and work on high-hazard machinery; at least once a year elsewhere. The exact timing is fixed in the collective agreement, the employment contract or an agreement with the trade union.
• Records: kept in the electronic information system, or in special journals where the Code allows.
• Managers and employers: OSH refresher course and knowledge check at least every 3 years (Art. 219.3); since 2026 this expressly includes individuals who are employers.
• Workers' knowledge checks: the 1999 model regulation sets a first check within one month of taking up the post and periodic checks at least every 3 years.
• Hazard-potential facilities: staff attestation and medical examination at least once a year (Law on Technical Safety Art. 10).

The training system in detail

Article 219 makes OSH part of every form of vocational training. The employer organises the system of OSH training and further education with the participation of trade unions (Art. 219.2). The details come from the Model Regulation on OSH training and testing of knowledge approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population (collegium decision No. 19-3 of 26 August 1999), which enterprises can adapt in their own regulation.

The model regulation names the head of the enterprise as responsible for timely and good-quality training, and unit heads for their departments. The labour inspectorate supervises knowledge checks.

Planning example

Example: A logistics company with 140 workers employs forklift drivers, electricians, warehouse staff and office staff. Forklift drivers and electricians work with high-hazard machinery or installations, so the collective agreement sets OSH instruction every 3 months for them; warehouse and office staff get annual instruction. All new starters receive induction instruction and first-aid training before their first shift. The managers' OSH knowledge is checked by a three-member commission and renewed every 3 years. Every instruction is entered in the electronic system with date, topic, instructor and worker.

Penalties and practical points

Not organising OSH education, instruction and knowledge checks is a breach of labour protection rules under Art. 198.1.7 of the Code of Administrative Offences (fine AZN 500 to 1,000 in the text we checked in November 2026). Training records are also attached to every accident investigation file, so missing records weaken the employer's position. Job-specific competence rules for lifting, pressure equipment, electrical and mining work are set by sector technical safety rules and must be followed in addition.

Common mistakes

• Keeping a yearly cycle for high-hazard jobs after the January 2026 change to 3 months.
• Letting a new worker start a hazardous task before the instruction is recorded.
• Treating a foreign training certificate as a substitute for the Azerbaijani knowledge check and instruction log.

Related on excodex

• Occupational safety and health in Azerbaijan: law, authorities and employer duties
• Main OSH law and enforcement in Azerbaijan
• Medical examinations for workers in Azerbaijan

Standards and further reading

• Labour Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Art. 219: https://e-qanun.az/framework/46943
• Law No. 332-VIIQD of 30 December 2025 (new Art. 219.6): https://e-qanun.az/framework/61202
• Model Regulation on OSH training and testing of knowledge, collegium decision No. 19-3 of 26 August 1999: https://e-qanun.az/framework/10514
• Law on Technical Safety No. 733-IQ, Art. 10: https://e-qanun.az/framework/21
• Code of Administrative Offences, Art. 198: https://e-qanun.az/framework/46960

This article is general occupational safety and health information prepared by the excodex editorial team. It does not replace the applicable legislation, standards, manufacturers' instructions or the assessment of a competent OSH professional or occupational physician.