Liability & Law
Employment legal protection insurance
German statutory accident insurance regulation 1
DGUV Regulation 1: Your comprehensive guide to workplace prevention
DGUV Regulation 1 is the cornerstone of occupational safety in Germany and affects every company. It lays the foundation for a safe working environment and minimizes risks of workplace accidents and occupational diseases. Understand your obligations and opportunities.
The topic in brief and concise terms
DGUV Regulation 1 is the central accident prevention regulation in Germany and requires all entrepreneurs to prevent occupational accidents and diseases.
Core duties include conducting and documenting risk assessments (§ 3), annual staff training (§4) and organizing first aid (§24).
Violations can be punished with fines of up to ten thousand euros; DGUV Rule 100-001 specifies the requirements of the regulation.
Foundation of Occupational Safety: Understanding the objectives and scope of DGUV Regulation 1
The DGUV Regulation 1, officially known as the 'Principles of Prevention', is the foremost accident prevention regulation of the Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung (DGUV). Its primary aim is to prevent workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and work-related health hazards, thereby avoiding thousands of incidents each year. It applies to all companies and businesses that are members of a statutory accident insurance provider, regardless of industry or number of employees. This regulation sets out the fundamental duties for employers and insured persons and forms the basis for comprehensive safety management. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to ten thousand euros or even criminal consequences. Therefore, understanding this regulation is essential for every employer.
Entrepreneurial Core Responsibilities: Mastering Risk Assessment and Protective Measures according to §2 and §3
According to §2 of DGUV Regulation 1, the employer has the fundamental duty to take all necessary measures for prevention. This includes providing safe work equipment and designing safe work procedures, which can reduce the accident rate by up to thirty percent. A key instrument for this is the risk assessment in accordance with §3 DGUV Regulation 1 and §5 Workplace Safety Act. The employer must systematically identify all hazards associated with the employees' work. This assessment must be documented and reviewed in the event of changes in working conditions, but at least every two years. Many companies underestimate that an inadequate risk assessment is one of the most common causes of workplace accidents. The results of the risk assessment lead to specific protective measures, the effectiveness of which must be regularly monitored. The costs for these measures must not be imposed on the insured according to §2 para. 5 DGUV Regulation 1. The careful fulfilment of these duties is crucial for insurance coverage.
Competent staff: Ensure instruction and qualification according to §4 and §7
The instruction of the insured according to §4 DGUV Regulation 1 is another central duty of the employer and must take place at least once a year. This instruction must cover the specific hazards in the workplace and the corresponding protective measures and must be documented. For apprentices, instruction is even required every six months. A study shows that regular instructions can reduce accident rates by up to fifteen percent. According to §7 DGUV Regulation 1, the employer may only assign tasks to insured persons that they are capable of performing. This means they must have the necessary training, knowledge, and experience or have been adequately instructed. For certain dangerous tasks, as defined in §8 DGUV Regulation 1, stricter requirements apply regarding qualification and supervision. The careful selection and training of employees is a direct contribution to the prevention of accidents.
Implementing Structured Occupational Safety: Organisation of First Aid and Safety Officers
An effective organisation of workplace health and safety is essential and is detailed in DGUV Regulation 1. This includes first aid and the role of safety representatives. Employers must ensure, under §24 DGUV Regulation 1, that the necessary facilities and resources for first aid, such as bandaging materials and communication devices, are available. The number of first aiders is determined by the size of the operation: For between two and twenty insured persons present, one first aider is required; for more than twenty insured persons in administrative and commercial enterprises, five percent, and in other enterprises, ten percent. First aiders must undergo further training every two years. Additionally, in businesses with regularly more than twenty employees, safety representatives are to be appointed according to §20 DGUV Regulation 1. They voluntarily support the employer and management in implementing health and safety measures. Safety representatives are vital multipliers for safety culture within the company. The exact number is determined by criteria such as the number of staff, existing accident and health hazards, as well as the spatial, temporal, and professional proximity of the representatives to the employees. A well-organised management of these areas can reduce response times to accidents by up to fifty percent.
Here are some key aspects of first aid in the workplace:
Provision of first aid materials (first aid kits according to DIN 13157 or DIN 13169)
Training and regular refresher training of first aiders (at least every two years)
Ensuring communication devices (phone, emergency numbers visibly displayed)
Organisation of the safe transport of injured persons for further medical care
Documentation of every first aid service (first aid book or comparable record)
Creation of emergency alarm plans
Careful planning of these measures is an important component of the statutory accident insurance.
Deepening expertise: DGUV Regulation 100-001, transfer of duties and consequences of violations
For a detailed design of the preventive measures, the DGUV Rule 100-001 "Principles of Prevention" should be consulted. It specifies the requirements of DGUV Regulation 1 and provides practical assistance for implementation, such as conducting risk assessments or selecting safety officers. An important aspect for larger companies is the delegation of duties according to §13 DGUV Regulation 1. Entrepreneurs can appoint reliable and competent individuals in writing to take on occupational safety tasks at their own responsibility. A correct delegation of duties requires a clear definition of tasks, responsibilities, and authorizations and must be signed by the delegate. A ruling by the Federal Administrative Court in 2016 emphasized the need for a precise and not merely formulaic delegation. The cooperation of several entrepreneurs, for example, on construction sites, is regulated in §6 DGUV Regulation 1 and requires coordination of the respective protective measures. Violations of DGUV Regulation 1 can be penalized as administrative offenses under §32 with fines of up to ten thousand euros. In cases of intentional or negligent violations leading to health damage, criminal consequences are also possible. A thorough knowledge of these regulations is essential for legally compliant company management and can significantly reduce costs due to work absences.
Our expert tip: Take advantage of the offers from trade associations and accident insurance funds. Many provide industry-specific action guides and seminars on DGUV Regulation 1, such as the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IAG) of the DGUV. This can help you interpret and implement the regulations correctly.
Key paragraphs of DGUV Regulation 1 at a glance:
§2 General obligations of the entrepreneur
§3 Assessment of working conditions, documentation
§4 Instruction of insured persons
§7 Qualification for activities
§13 Delegation of duties
§15 General support obligations of the insured
§20 Safety officers
§24 General obligations of the entrepreneur (First aid)
These paragraphs form the core of the regulation and should be known to every responsible person.
Risk Analysis and Optimisation: Your Next Step to Greater Security
The consistent implementation of DGUV Regulation 1 is more than a legal obligation – it is an active contribution to the health of your employees and the success of your business. By systematically preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases, you not only reduce human suffering but also minimize downtime and the associated costs. A safe working environment also promotes motivation and productivity among your workforce. Many companies only recognise the value of a proactive safety culture after an incident occurs. If you are uncertain whether your current measures meet the requirements or see potential for improvement, now is the right time to act. A tailored risk analysis can identify weaknesses and provide concrete improvement suggestions. Remember: occupational safety is a continuous task that pays off. The importance of accident insurance is often underestimated in this context.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
The DGUV offers a specific publication for download here, containing in-depth information on prevention principles.
On the website of the DGUV, you will find the official DGUV Regulation 1, which lays out the fundamental prevention principles in detail.
The BGW provides the DGUV Rule 100-001 as a PDF download, which elaborates on the principles of prevention.
The prevention department of the DGUV offers a comprehensive overview of accident prevention and health protection measures.
The BAuA (Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) provides numbers, data, and facts for monitoring and evaluation in the field of occupational safety.
Specific data and analyses on the topic of Safety and Health at Work (SuGA) can be found on the website of the BAuA.
The BMAS (Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) provides information on the legal foundations and initiatives in the field of occupational safety.
The BG BAU offers specific information on the prevention of work accidents and occupational diseases in the construction industry.
Information on workplace health and the promotion of corporate health management is provided by the DGUV.
FAQ
For whom does the DGUV Regulation 1 apply?
The DGUV Regulation 1 applies to all companies and establishments that are members of the statutory accident insurance, as well as to their insured persons (employees). This includes private and public institutions across all sectors.
What is a risk assessment according to DGUV Regulation 1?
The risk assessment (§3 DGUV V1) is a process in which the employer systematically identifies workplace hazards, evaluates risks, and derives and documents preventive measures.
What role do safety officers play according to DGUV Regulation 1?
Safety officers (§20 DGUV V1) voluntarily support the employer and management in implementing occupational safety measures and act as contact persons for colleagues. They are mandatory in companies with more than 20 employees.
Do employees have to bear the costs of protective measures?
No, according to §2 Paragraph 5 DGUV Regulation 1, the employer must not impose the costs for occupational safety measures on the insured.
Where can I find DGUV Rule 100-001?
You can find DGUV Rule 100-001 "Principles of Prevention" on the website of the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) under publications. It specifies the DGUV Regulation 1.
How many first aiders does my company need?
With 2 to 20 insured persons present, one first aider is required. For more than 20 insured persons present, it is 5 percent in administrative/trade establishments and 10 percent of the insured present in other establishments.
