FAQ – Workplace Safety Explained Simply

Do you have questions about safety management, legal requirements, or your responsibilities as a business owner? Here you’ll find clear answers—concise and easy to understand.

Safety Advice on the Go

Safety begins where everyday life takes place—even when you're on the go.

❓ When do you need an occupational safety specialist?

DGUV Regulation 2 stipulates that every employer must ensure occupational safety support. This applies as soon as you employ staff— starting with the very first job and regardless of the industry. The specific arrangements depend on the size of the business and the potential risks. Of course, the actual effort required for this support also depends on the number of jobs. Smaller companies have fewer needs than larger ones. We respond to this flexibly.

❓ As a business owner, can I handle workplace safety on my own?

In some cases, yes—but only under certain conditions. Under the so-called "entrepreneur model ," you, as the employer, can provide training and conduct risk assessments yourself, provided you complete a special training course and there is no increased risk potential.

❓ What is the difference between a safety officer and an occupational safety specialist?

The occupational safety specialist (Sifa) is required under the Occupational Safety Act (§ 6 ASiG). This specialist possesses specialized expertise and systematically advises the employer on all matters related to occupational safety.

The safety representative is required by law under § 22 SGB VII in companies with more than 20 employees on a regular basis. As a point of contact in day-to-day work—in addition to their regular duties—he or she helps identify and prevent hazards.

In short: The Sifa brings specialized knowledge to the workplace—the safety representative raises awareness of safety in everyday work.

❓ How much does an external occupational safety specialist cost?

Less than you might think. Since you only pay for the services actually provided, this model is significantly more cost-effective than an in-house solution, especially for smaller companies. We’d be happy to provide a quote tailored to your needs.

❓ What is the difference between basic support and company-specific support?

Basic support involves general measures such as hazard assessments, training, and facility inspections. Facility-specific support addresses specific hazards or additional requirements—for example, regarding machinery, hazardous substances, or construction sites.

❓ As a small business, do I also have to conduct a risk assessment?

Yes. The requirement to conduct a risk assessment applies to all businesses—even those with just one employee. The scope and documentation depend on the nature of the work. We’ll help you meet this requirement in a balanced and reasonable manner.

❓ What happens if I don't hire a qualified professional or provide training?

You are liable in the event of damage. Without proof that you have taken the measures required by law, you may face fines, claims for recourse, and criminal penalties. Prevention is always less costly than reaction.

❓ Why is workplace safety so important and required by law?

Occupational safety isn’t just a legal obligation—it also makes good business sense. According to a study by EU-OSHA, effective occupational safety management pays off in tangible ways through reduced absenteeism, higher productivity, and increased motivation. Because it protects people. Occupational safety measures prevent accidents, absences, and fines—and ensure the long-term sustainability of your business.
According to the study, every euro invested in occupational safety yields a return of 2.20€.

❓ How do I get started with safety supervision?

It's simple: Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation. We'll explain the requirements, outline your options, and guide you step by step—in a pragmatic and practical way.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Health and Safety

How soon can we get started with occupational safety and health services?

We can usually begin work at your company within a few business days. For particularly urgent cases—such as an inspection by the trade supervisory authority or the workers’ compensation association—we offer a quick-start service, in which we initially focus on the most critical safety risks at your company.

Typical startup process:

  • Day 1: Initial consultation by phone and scheduling an appointment
  • Days 2–3: On-site visit for an initial inspection and needs assessment
  • Days 4–5: Preparing a Proposal and Signing the Contract
  • Starting on Day 6: Beginning of systematic occupational safety and health support

As part of our quick-start process, we identify immediate measures that can be implemented right away based on the STOP hierarchy (substitution, technical, organizational, and personal protective measures) and, at the same time, conduct a comprehensive risk assessment in accordance with Section 5 of the Occupational Safety Act (ArbSchG) and the Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV).

Do you work nationwide, and how does remote support work?

Yes, we serve companies throughout Germany and Austria. Thanks to our digital occupational safety tools and modern communication methods, we can provide many of our services remotely without compromising on quality.

Remote services include:

  • Digital safety training via our UnterweisungOnline system
  • Video Consulting for Executives and Managers via Teams/Zoom
  • Virtual ASA (Occupational Safety Committee) meetings pursuant to Section 11 of the ASiG
  • Online Training Courses for Safety Officers and First Responders
  • Digital Document Review and Risk Assessment Review
  • Remote Support for Creating Operating Instructions

On-site services remain unchanged: facility inspections, hands-on equipment inspections (ladders, power-operated gates), construction site coordination (SiGeKo), industrial vehicle operator training, and emergency drills. We intelligently combine these with digital elements to ensure maximum efficiency.

How is a professional risk assessment carried out in practice?

We conduct a systematic risk assessment in accordance with Section 5 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) through a structured 6-phase process that takes into account both legal requirements and practical feasibility.

Our proven 6-phase system:

  • Phase 1 - Kickoff & Planning: Project kickoff with senior management, definition of work areas, scheduling, and resource coordination
  • Phase 2 - Systematic Inspections: On-site analysis of all workstations, work equipment, and activities using structured checklists in accordance with TRBS/ASR
  • Phase 3 - Employee Interviews: Surveying employees about work processes, identified hazards, and suggestions for improvement
  • Phase 4 - Document Analysis: Review of existing documentation (operating instructions, test reports, accident statistics, CE markings)
  • Phase 5 - Risk Assessment & Action Planning: Assessment based on probability of occurrence and extent of damage; development of measures based on the STOP principle
  • Phase 6 - Documentation & Closure: Preparation of the GBU documentation, including an action plan, responsibilities, deadlines, and a closing meeting

We place particular importance on monitoring effectiveness within a continuous feedback loop. After 6–12 months, we work with you to review the implementation of the measures and their effectiveness. This creates a dynamic occupational safety management system rather than a static file folder.

The entire risk assessment is documented digitally and is available at any time for audits, inspections by the workers' compensation association, or the labor inspectorate.

What records and documentation will I receive for audits and inspections by regulatory authorities?

We will provide you with complete documentation of all occupational safety measures that is suitable for audits and regulatory review and complies with the requirements of the employers' liability insurance associations, the labor inspectorate, and ISO 45001.

Risk Assessment Documentation:

  • Structured GBU pursuant to Section 5 of the Occupational Safety Act (ArbSchG), including all workstations and job functions
  • Risk Assessment Matrix for All Identified Hazards (mechanical, electrical, thermal, chemical, biological, psychological)
  • List of Measures with STOP Hierarchy, Responsibilities, and Implementation Deadlines
  • Effectiveness Check, Including Date of Review and Evaluation of Results

Training and Instruction Certificates:

  • Customized certificates of participation for each employee, including the date, duration, and content
  • Digital training records via UnterweisungOnline with legally compliant archiving
  • Documentation of Knowledge Level Through Knowledge Assessments and Performance Monitoring
  • Refresh Intervals and Automatic Reminder Systems

Inspection and Maintenance Records:

  • Ladder inspection reports in accordance with § 14 of the BetrSichV, including photographic documentation
  • Inspection Reports for Power-Operated Gates in Accordance with DGUV Regulation 68
  • FFZ Operator Licenses in Accordance with DGUV Guideline 308-001
  • Inventory Management with QR Codes and a Digital Inspection History

In addition, you’ll receive a management overview featuring KPIs (key performance indicators), a traffic-light status for all measures, and a schedule of upcoming audits and training sessions. All documents are digitally archived and can be exported at any time for audits.

Do you also offer wire testing as a recurring service with full management?

Yes, we offer you a comprehensive, hassle-free service for all ladder inspections in accordance with BetrSichV § 14, TRBS 2121, and DGUV Information 208-016. From initial registration to long-term inspection management, we handle all organizational and technical tasks.

Full-Service Offerings in Detail:

  • Inventory: Recording of all ladders and step stools with unique numbering and QR code labeling
  • Digital Management: Creating an inspection database with photos, technical data, locations, and usage history
  • Interval Definition: Determination of inspection intervals based on frequency of use and operating conditions (3–12 months)
  • Automatic Scheduling: Digital Reminder System with Lead Times and Escalation Levels
  • On-site inspection: Visual and functional inspection by a qualified and certified person in accordance with TRBS 1203
  • Real-Time Documentation: Mobile inspection reports using a tablet, photo documentation of defects, and repair recommendations

Scope of testing in accordance with the latest standards:

  • Visual inspection: damage, corrosion, wear, markings
  • Functional testing: Locks, anti-spread protection, hinges, hardware
  • Stability: Installation angle, ground conditions, fall protection
  • Completeness: Instruction manual, inspection stickers, nameplate

When defects are identified, we categorize them according to the level of risk (immediate shutdown, short-term repair, monitoring) and provide specific recommendations for action. Ladders that can be repaired are marked accordingly, and we recommend that irreparable equipment be disposed of properly.

You will receive a quarterly management report that includes inspection statistics, a cost overview, defect trends, and recommendations for new purchases. Optionally, we can also train your own employees to become qualified personnel for interim inspections.