New OHS Training Regulation Published: Key Changes Awaiting Workplaces

Pursuant to the "Regulation on the Procedures and Principles of Occupational Health and Safety Training for Employees", published in the Official Gazette dated April 2, 2026, and numbered 33212, new standards and technical requirements for occupational health and safety (OHS) training to be provided to employees have entered into force.

Training Duration and Definition of a Lesson Hour

With the new regulation, the concept of a "lesson hour" in training has been clarified. A lesson hour is explicitly defined as a time period consisting of at least 45 minutes of instruction and 15 minutes of break time. The total duration of basic training is determined based on the workplace hazard classification as follows:

• At least 8 lesson hours for workplaces in the low-risk category
• At least 12 lesson hours for workplaces in the hazardous category
• At least 16 lesson hours for workplaces in the very hazardous category

Induction Training

It is stipulated that employers are obliged to ensure that all employees, including apprentices and interns, receive this training before they commence actual work.

Induction training must be:

• Delivered in person and in a practical format
• At least two hours per employee
• Not counted as part of the basic training duration

Completion Period and Frequency of Basic Training

It is regulated that all basic trainings must be completed within a maximum of three months from the employee's start date.

The repetition periods for training remain as follows:

• Annually for very hazardous workplaces
• Every two years for hazardous workplaces
• Every three years for low-risk workplaces

However, in all cases, repeated training sessions must be organized for at least eight lesson hours.

Remote Learning Standards

If remote learning methods are used, the system must meet the following technical criteria:

• It must be accessible, capable of meeting user demand, manageable, and traceable
• It must prevent actions that negatively affect training efficiency, such as fast-forwarding, switching tabs, or closing windows
• Active participation of employees must be supported through periodic pop-up interactions
• Additionally, for workplaces classified as hazardous and very hazardous, the requirement that certain parts of the training be delivered face-to-face has been maintained.

Assessment, Evaluation, and Certification

The minimum passing score for exams conducted at the end of the training is set at 60 out of 100. Participants who fail are granted up to two additional exam attempts. If success is still not achieved, it is mandatory to retake the basic training. Furthermore, it has been regulated that all training documents may be signed in accordance with the Electronic Signature Law No. 5070 and may be archived in digital environments.

Groups Requiring Special Policy Considerations

It is stated that training provided to employees with disabilities must comply with accessibility standards and include alternative formats (such as sign language and audio description) to meet their needs. This has been established as a legal requirement. In conclusion, these regulations introduced by the new legislation aim to enhance the effectiveness of training in preventing occupational accidents.

Employers revising their training processes in line with these concrete criteria (such as the 45-minute lesson hour and the 60-point threshold) will both improve employee safety and ensure full legal compliance.

You can access the relevant amendment here. (In Turkish)

You can access the annex of the regulation (Annex-1) here. (In Turkish)