HR Glossary
HR Glossary
Occupational Safety Act (ArbSchG)
Germany's Occupational Safety Act obliges employers to ensure safety and health of all employees – including in home office.
The Occupational Safety Act (ArbSchG) is Germany's main occupational safety law. It applies regardless of work location, including home office, mobile working, and workations.
Core duties
- Risk assessment per § 5 ArbSchG
- Employee instruction (§ 12)
- Occupational health prevention (ArbMedVV)
- Documentation obligation
Home office application
Telework triggers the additional Workplace Ordinance. For mobile work, the risk assessment can be more abstract.
Liability
Violations lead to fines; intentional endangerment even imprisonment (§ 26). The boundary to accident insurance matters.
Practice
Use clear digital workflows. The onyo Compliance Suite handles instruction and assessment digitally.