Verletzers

Verletzers is a term used in safety science to describe the agents, conditions, or situations that can cause physical injury to people. The word is a neologism derived from the verb verletzen (to injure) and the common English suffix -ers, and is used in some European and international risk-prevention literature to refer to injury-causing factors rather than the injuries themselves. The concept focuses on what creates risk, rather than on the injuries that may result.

Verletzers encompass a broad range of hazard types. Mechanical hazards include unguarded machinery and pinch points. Environmental hazards cover slips, trips, and falls, as well as uneven surfaces. Electrical and thermal hazards address live equipment and hot or cold surfaces. Chemical and biological hazards involve exposure to harmful substances or pathogens. Ergonomic stressors relate to repetitive motion, awkward postures, and excessive loads. The category also includes latent factors such as poor maintenance, unclear procedures, or inadequate training.

Identification and assessment of verletzers typically occur through job hazard analysis, incident investigations, risk assessments, and process mapping. Once identified, controls are implemented following a hierarchy of precautions: engineering controls (guards, interlocks), administrative controls (training, procedures, scheduling), and personal protective equipment where necessary.

In practice, the verletzer concept supports proactive safety management by focusing on the root causes of harm rather than solely on past injuries. It aids organizations in prioritizing preventive actions, monitoring hazard trends, and communicating risk to workers.

See also: hazard, risk assessment, occupational safety, injury prevention.