Germany · Overview
Workplace safety in Germany: employer guide
Find the safety regulator, employer duties and training topics for Germany, with government and legal sources.
English
Short answer
In Germany, use the State occupational safety authorities (Arbeitsschutzbehörden der Länder); BAuA provides federal guidance and Arbeitsschutzgesetz (Occupational Safety and Health Act) to plan workplace safety and instruction.
Who oversees safety at work?
Start with the tasks and hazards at your site. This page points to the regulator and legal framework; check their current guidance before making a workplace decision. The relevant public body is State occupational safety authorities (Arbeitsschutzbehörden der Länder); BAuA provides federal guidance.
What should an employer do first?
Employers assess hazards, determine protective measures and instruct employees about safety relevant to their work. Arbeitsschutzgesetz (Occupational Safety and Health Act) For each task, write down the hazard, the control and the instruction workers need. Find the responsible state authority for the workplace: inspection is organised by the Länder.
Check that the instruction matches the work and its risks; a course title cannot describe every site's controls. Arbeitsschutzgesetz (Occupational Safety and Health Act)
Five training topics to check
Choose from these topics using the job's risks; this is not a universal course list. Arbeitsschutzgesetz (Occupational Safety and Health Act)
1. Hazard assessment — explain local hazards and the reporting route. 2. Lifting — demonstrate the safe method for this task. 3. Work equipment — check equipment, exclusion zones and supervision. 4. Hazardous substances — check labels and local exposure controls. 5. Falls — show the fall-prevention method for this task.
Who checks workplace safety?
Start with the regulator's site for inspection information.
How should we choose instruction?
Match the topic to the task and the risk assessment under the linked rules.
Does a course replace site controls?
No. Apply the employer's prevention duties at the workplace. Read the source.
Where can workers read the rules?
Open the Arbeitsschutzgesetz (Occupational Safety and Health Act) and State occupational safety authorities (Arbeitsschutzbehörden der Länder); BAuA provides federal guidance; ask how they apply to the job.
Useful official links
Official sources
- State occupational safety authorities (Arbeitsschutzbehörden der Länder); BAuA provides federal guidancebaua.de · Checked 2026-10-13
- Arbeitsschutzgesetz (Occupational Safety and Health Act)gesetze-im-internet.de · Checked 2026-10-13