DGUV Regulation 1: Your comprehensive guide to prevention in the workplace
03.06.25
3
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
DGUV Regulation 1 is the foundation of occupational health and safety in Germany and applies to every company. It lays the groundwork for a safe working environment and minimises the 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 obliges all employers to prevent occupational accidents and occupational diseases.
Core duties include carrying out and documenting risk assessments (§ 3), annual training for employees (§ 4) and organising first aid (§ 24).
Violations can be penalised with fines of up to ten thousand euros; DGUV Rule 100-001 specifies the requirements of the regulation.
Fundamentals of occupational safety: understanding the objectives and scope of DGUV Regulation 1
DGUV Rule 1, officially “Principles of Prevention”, is the highest accident prevention regulation of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). Its primary objective is the prevention of 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 lays down the fundamental duties for employers and insured persons and forms the basis for comprehensive safety management. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to ten thousand euros or even criminal consequences. Knowledge of this regulation is therefore essential for every employer.
Key employer duties: mastering risk assessments and protective measures under Sections 2 and 3
Under Section 2 of DGUV Regulation 1, the employer has the basic duty to take all necessary preventive measures. This includes providing safe work equipment and designing safe working procedures, which can reduce the accident rate by up to thirty per cent. A key instrument for this is the risk assessment in accordance with Section 3 of DGUV Regulation 1 and Section 5 Occupational Health and Safety Act. The employer must systematically identify all hazards associated with the work of insured persons. This assessment must be documented and reviewed when working conditions change, 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 concrete protective measures, the effectiveness of which must be checked regularly. The costs of these measures may not be passed on to the insured persons in accordance with Section 2(5) of DGUV Regulation 1. Careful fulfilment of these duties is crucial for insurance cover.
Competent employees: ensure training and qualification in accordance with §4 and §7
The instruction of insured persons under Section 4 of DGUV Regulation 1 is another key employer obligation 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 it must be documented. For apprentices, half-yearly instruction is even required. A study shows that regular instruction can reduce accident rates by up to fifteen per cent. In accordance with Section 7 of DGUV Regulation 1, the employer may only assign insured persons tasks for which they are qualified. This means they must have the necessary training, knowledge and experience, or have been given appropriate instruction. For certain hazardous work, as defined in Section 8 of DGUV Regulation 1, stricter requirements apply to qualification and supervision. Careful selection and training of employees is a direct contribution to preventing accidents.
Implementing structured occupational health and safety: organising first aid and safety officers
A functioning organisation of occupational health and safety is essential and is regulated in detail in DGUV Regulation 1. This includes, in particular, first aid and the role of safety representatives. Under Section 24 of DGUV Regulation 1, employers must ensure that the necessary facilities and materials for first aid, such as dressings and reporting systems, are available. The number of first aiders depends on the size of the company: for two to twenty persons present, one first aider is required; for more than twenty persons in administrative and commercial businesses, five per cent, and in other businesses, ten per cent. First aiders must receive refresher training every two years. Furthermore, under Section 20 of DGUV Regulation 1, safety representatives must be appointed in businesses with regularly more than twenty employees. They support the employer and managers on a voluntary basis in carrying out occupational health and safety measures. Safety representatives are important multipliers for the company's safety culture. The exact number depends on criteria such as the number of employees, existing accident and health hazards, and the spatial, temporal and professional proximity of the representatives to the employees. Good organisation of these areas can reduce response times in the event of accidents by up to fifty per cent.
Here are some important aspects of first aid in the workplace:
Provision of first aid materials (first aid kits in accordance with DIN 13157 or DIN 13169)
Training and regular refresher training for first aiders (at least every two years)
Ensuring reporting systems (telephones, emergency numbers displayed clearly)
Organisation of safe transport for injured persons for further medical care
Documentation of each first aid treatment (first aid logbook or comparable record)
Preparation of emergency response plans
Careful planning of these measures is an important component of statutory accident insurance.
Insured persons in focus: duties to cooperate and proper conduct under Sections 15 to 18
Also the insured persons, that is to say the employees, share responsibility for safety and health protection in the workplace. In accordance with Section 15 of DGUV Regulation 1, they are obliged, within the scope of their capabilities and in line with the instruction and direction of the employer, to take care of their own safety and health at work as well as the safety and health of those persons who are affected by their actions or omissions at work. They must use facilities, work equipment and materials in accordance with their intended purpose (Section 17). The active involvement of employees increases the effectiveness of protective measures many times over. Among the special duties to provide support under Section 16 is the obligation to report any identified defects in protective devices or any identified hazards immediately to the employer or the responsible supervisor. Insured persons are also obliged to undergo training as first aiders, provided there are no personal reasons to the contrary (Section 28). Compliance with access and residence bans in danger areas (Section 18) is a matter of course. A breach of these duties may result in employment law consequences.
Deepen expert knowledge: DGUV Rule 100-001, transfer of duties and consequences of breaches
For a detailed design of the preventive measures, DGUV Rule 100-001 “Principles of Prevention” should be consulted. It specifies the requirements of DGUV Regulation 1 and provides practical guidance for implementation, for example on carrying out the risk assessment or selecting safety representatives. An important aspect for larger companies is the delegation of duties under §13 of DGUV Regulation 1. Employers may appoint reliable and competent persons in writing to carry out occupational safety duties on their own responsibility. Proper delegation of duties requires a clear definition of tasks, responsibilities and powers, and must be signed by the appointed person. A ruling by the Federal Administrative Court in 2016 underlined the need for a precise transfer of duties, not merely a formulaic one. Cooperation between several employers, for example on construction sites, is regulated in §6 of DGUV Regulation 1 and requires coordination of the respective protective measures. Breaches of DGUV Regulation 1 may be punished as administrative offences under §32 with fines of up to ten thousand euros. In the event of intentional or negligent breaches that lead to harm to health, criminal consequences are also possible. A sound understanding of these regulations is essential for legally compliant corporate management and can significantly reduce costs caused by work absences.
Our expert tip: make use of the services offered by employers’ liability insurance associations and accident insurance funds. Many provide industry-specific guidance and seminars on DGUV Regulation 1, such as the Institute for Work and Health (IAG) of the DGUV. This can help you interpret and implement the regulations correctly.
Important sections of DGUV Regulation 1 at a glance:
§2 Basic duties of the employer
§3 Assessment of working conditions, documentation
§4 Instruction of insured persons
§7 Suitability for tasks
§13 Delegation of duties
§15 General duties of support of insured persons
§20 Safety representatives
§24 General duties of the employer (first aid)
These sections form the core of the regulation and should be known to everyone responsible.
The consistent implementation of DGUV Regulation 1 is more than a statutory obligation – it is an active contribution to the health of your employees and the success of your company. By systematically preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases, you reduce not only human suffering, but also downtime and the associated costs. A safe working environment also promotes the motivation and productivity of your workforce. Many businesses only realise after an incident how valuable a proactive safety culture is. If you are unsure whether your current measures meet the requirements or see potential for optimisation, now is the right time to act. An individual risk assessment can identify weaknesses and provide concrete suggestions for improvement. Remember: occupational health and safety is an ongoing 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 optimisation.
More useful links
The DGUV offers a specific publication here for download, which contains more detailed information on prevention principles.
On the website of the DGUV you will find the official DGUV Rule 1, which sets out the basic prevention principles in detail.
The BGW provides DGUV Rule 100-001 as a PDF download, which specifies the principles of prevention.
The Prevention section of the DGUV offers a comprehensive overview of measures for accident prevention and health protection.
The BAuA (Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) provides figures, data and facts on monitoring and assessment in the field of occupational safety and health.
You can find specific data and analyses on the topic of safety and health at work (SuGA) 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 and health.
The BG BAU offers specific information on preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases in the construction industry.
The DGUV provides information on workplace health and the promotion of workplace health management.
FAQ
Who does DGUV Regulation 1 apply to?
DGUV Regulation 1 applies to all companies and businesses that are members of the statutory accident insurance scheme, as well as to their insured persons (employees). This includes private and public organisations 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 hazards in the workplace, assesses risks and derives and documents preventive measures from them.
What role do safety officers play according to DGUV Regulation 1?
Safety officers (§20 DGUV V1) support the employer and managers on a voluntary basis in implementing occupational safety measures and act as points of contact 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 para. 5 of DGUV Regulation 1, the employer may not pass on the costs of occupational safety measures to the insured persons.
Where can I find DGUV Rule 100-001?
You can find DGUV Rule 100-001 “Principles of Prevention” on the website of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) under Publications. It specifies DGUV Regulation 1.
How many first aiders does my business need?
For 2 to 20 insured persons present, one first aider is required. For more than 20 insured persons present, this is 5 per cent in administrative/commercial enterprises and 10 per cent in other businesses of the insured persons present.
