Occupational physicians and OSH professionals

The employer is required to direct his employees to work safely and to observe the accident prevention regulations; he must also draw their attention to the hazards at their workplaces. Regular instruction is necessary for this purpose. At the same time, the insured individuals must use the specified protective equipment and follow the instructions for the prevention of accidents and the safeguarding of health.

In accordance with the German safety at work act and the accident prevention regulations pursuant to it, the employer must appoint occupational physicians and OSH professionals who support him in the prevention activity. OSH professionals support and advise employers in accident prevention issues and in all OSH-related topics, including the human-centric design of work and workplace health promotion. Their support is of particular relevance during risk assessment of the workplaces.

Both employers and employees benefit from the work of occupational physicians and OSH professionals.

The "employer model" for small businesses

As an alternative to support from OSH professionals, the accident insurance institutions offer the "employer model" to small and medium-sized businesses. Under this model, employers' awareness of OSH issues is raised by means of information and motivational measures, and they are equipped to identify hazards in their own plants, to resolve them themselves, or to take advantage of external consultancy and support.