What responsibilities do employers have regarding health and safety in the workplace?
February 22, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Erika Keck
Dear occupational physician,
My name is Phillip Bauer and I have been working in a medium-sized company in production for several years. Lately, I have had increasing concerns regarding my health and safety in the workplace. I am wondering what responsibilities my employer has in relation to these issues and whether they are being adequately fulfilled.
In the past, there have been incidents in my company where employees were injured or experienced health problems due to the working conditions. These incidents have made me more aware and have shown me that health and safety in the workplace are not to be taken for granted.
I am worried that my employer may not be taking all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of employees. It is important to me to work in a safe environment and not expose myself to any health risks.
Therefore, as an expert in the field of occupational medicine, I would like to ask you what specific responsibilities my employer has to ensure health and safety in the workplace. Are there specific legal regulations that my employer must comply with? What measures can be taken to minimize the risk of accidents and health problems in the workplace?
I thank you in advance for your help and expertise in answering my question.
Sincerely,
Phillip Bauer
Dear Mr. Bauer,
Thank you for your question and your interest in health and safety in the workplace. As an occupational physician, I understand your concerns and would like to provide you with a detailed response to your question.
In Germany, there are legal regulations that require employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees in the workplace. This is enshrined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG), which forms the basis for occupational safety in Germany. According to this law, the employer is obliged to take all necessary measures to protect the health and safety of employees. This includes risk assessment, the determination of protective measures, as well as information and training for employees.
In concrete terms, this means that your employer is required to identify and assess potential hazards in the workplace. Based on this risk assessment, appropriate measures must then be taken to minimize the risk of accidents and health problems. This includes providing personal protective equipment, regular safety training, ergonomics in the workplace, and measures for mental health in the workplace.
Furthermore, the employer is also obliged to offer regular occupational health examinations. These serve to detect possible health risks early and take preventive action. Conducting occupational medical examinations is also among the responsibilities of the employer.
If you feel that your employer is not taking sufficient measures to ensure health and safety in the workplace, you should have a conversation with them. Express your concerns and ask for specific measures they will take to improve the situation.
I hope this detailed response has been helpful to you, and I am available for any further questions.
Best regards,
Erika Keck
