SiGeKo

SiGeKo stands for Sicherheits- und Gesundheitsschutzkoordination, a role in German construction projects focused on coordinating safety and health protection across design and construction processes. The SiGeKo is typically appointed on sites with more than one contractor to ensure that a coherent safety approach is maintained among all participants.

The legal basis for SiGeKo activity is primarily the Baustellenverordnung (BaustellV) with reference to general occupational safety duties under the Arbeitsschutzgesetz (ArbSchG). The designation and tasks of the SiGeKo are further supported by industry regulations and DGUV standards. The overarching aim is to prevent accidents and health hazards by aligning the responsibilities of clients, planners, and contractors.

Key duties of the SiGeKo include identifying hazards and assessing risks, developing and maintaining safety and health planning documents, and coordinating safety measures across all trades. This involves organizing risk assessments, defining protective actions, facilitating information exchange between designers, the construction site management, and subcontractors, and ensuring that site inductions and ongoing safety briefings are conducted. The SiGeKo also supports the creation of the SiGe-Plan for both planning and execution phases and monitors compliance with safety requirements during construction.

The role encompasses planning-phase coordination (collaboration with designers to integrate safety considerations into designs) and construction-phase coordination (ensuring implemented measures are followed, updating plans as needed, and documenting safety-related decisions). While the SiGeKo advises and coordinates, the legal responsibilities for safety ultimately remain with the client and employing companies.

Qualifications typically involve recognized training and certification in safety and health coordination, along with relevant construction industry experience. The goal of SiGeKo is to enhance cooperation, improve risk management, and reduce accidents on multi-contractor construction sites.