Codex on Well-being at Work
The Codex on Well-being at Work forms the legal backbone of all safety and well-being obligations in Belgium. It translates the Well-being Act of August 4, 1996, into concrete, practical rules for employers and employees.
For every organization—from SMEs to major industrial players—the Codex defines what is legally required in terms of safety, health, and training.
At Heli Safety Academy, we don’t use the Codex as an end point, but as a starting point: we translate legal obligations into practical training programs that are demonstrably compliant during inspections or audits.
What is the Codex on Well-being at Work?
The Codex is a collection of Royal Decrees that collectively set forth guidelines for organizing workplace well-being. It is divided into several books, each with its own focus, such as:
- Organization of occupational health and safety policy
- Risk assessment and preventive measures
- Work equipment and work methods
- Training, information, and instruction for employees
The Codex applies to all employees, including temporary workers, contractors, and interns.
Employer Obligations
According to the Codex, the employer is responsible for:
- conducting a risk assessment
- implementing preventive measures
- providing appropriate training and instruction
- demonstrating employee competence
In this context, training is not an optional choice, but a legal obligation when employees:
- take risks
- use work equipment
- perform hazardous tasks
👉 A training program must be relevant, tailored, and verifiable.
Training as a legal requirement
The Codex explicitly states that employees must receive adequate and appropriate training, including in the following areas:
- start of employment
- job change
- introduction of new equipment
- changed risks
In practical terms, this means that training courses such as working at heights, forklift operation, VCA, or first aid are directly mandated by the Codex.
Which programs are affiliated with the Codex?
At Heli Safety Academy, we integrate the Codex into accredited, hands-on training programs, including:
These courses will help you ensure that you are legally and practically prepared.
- Basic Safety – The Foundation of Safe Work Practices
- VCA Basic & VCA VOL – Safety for High-Risk Environments
- Working at heights – in accordance with Codex Book IV
- Mobile equipment (forklift, reach truck, telehandler)
- First Aid in the Workplace – Organizing First Aid
- Firefighting & Evacuation
Inspection, audits, and liability
During an inspection by:
- Workplace Well-being Oversight
- internal or external audits
- accident investigation
It is often checked whether:
- risk assessments have been conducted properly
- training has been completed
- competencies can be demonstrated
✅ Proper training in accordance with the Codex not only reduces risks but also minimizes legal and financial liability.
Our Approach at Heli Safety Academy
We help organizations by:
- make legislation understandable
- tailor training programs to risks
- provide evidence through certificates and attendance records
This way, you can be sure that your employees:
- work safely
- be properly trained
- comply with the Code on Workplace Well-being
👉 Want to know which Codex requirements apply to your organization? Check out our trainings or contact us for personalized advice.