Arbeitsschutz

Arbeitsschutz, or occupational safety, encompasses all measures and regulations intended to protect the health and safety of people at work. Its aim is to prevent accidents, work-related illnesses and long-term impairment, and to promote safe operating conditions and healthy working practices.

Core elements include the identification and control of hazards, risk assessment, and the planning and implementation of preventive measures across technical, organizational and personal levels. This encompasses machine safety, ventilation, ergonomics, safe handling of chemicals, noise control, and considerations of psychosocial stress as well as emergency preparedness and first-aid.

In Germany, the legal framework is anchored in the Occupational Safety Act (Arbeitsschutzgesetz, ArbSchG) and complementary regulations such as the Industrial Safety Ordinance (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung, BetrSichV), the Ordinances on Workplace (Arbeitsstättenverordnung, ArbStättV) and on Hazardous Substances (Gefahrstoffverordnung, GefStoffV). Employers are required to conduct Gefährdungsbeurteilungen, implement appropriate protective measures, provide information and training, and ensure ongoing monitoring. Employees have duties to comply with instructions and participate in safety programs. Works councils or statutory representatives often contribute to safety planning.

The statutory accident insurance system (Berufsgenossenschaften, DGUV) supports prevention, provides training, and investigates accidents, while supervisory authorities enforce compliance.

Internationally, Arbeitsschutz aligns with the EU framework directive on safety and health at work (89/391/EEC) and related measures. Current challenges include addressing psychosocial risks, aging workforces, and new technologies, while maintaining a proactive safety culture and continuous improvement through audits and documentation.