DGUV Regulation 1: Your comprehensive guide to workplace prevention
3 Jun 2025
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
DGUV Regulation 1 is the foundation of occupational safety in Germany and affects every company. It establishes the basis for a safe working environment and minimizes risks of workplace accidents and occupational illnesses. 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 workplace accidents and occupational diseases.
Core duties include conducting and documenting risk assessments (§ 3), providing annual employee training (§ 4), and organizing first aid (§ 24).
Violations may 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 paramount accident prevention regulation of the German Social Accident Insurance (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 establishes 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, knowledge of this regulation is essential for every entrepreneur.
Core Entrepreneurial Duties: Mastering Risk Assessment and Protective Measures under §2 and §3
According to §2 of the DGUV Regulation 1, the employer has the fundamental duty to take all necessary preventive measures. This includes providing safe working equipment and designing safe working procedures, which can reduce the accident rate by up to thirty per cent. A key tool for this is the risk assessment in accordance with §3 DGUV Regulation 1 and §5 Occupational Health and Safety Act. The employer must systematically identify all hazards associated with work for the insured. This assessment must be documented and reviewed whenever 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 specific protective measures, the effectiveness of which must be regularly monitored. In accordance with §2 para. 5 DGUV Regulation 1, the costs of these measures must not be imposed on the insured. Careful fulfillment of these duties is crucial for insurance coverage.
Competent employees: Ensure instruction and empowerment in accordance with §4 and §7
Instruction of the insured under §4 DGUV Regulation 1 is another central responsibility of the entrepreneur and must be carried out at least once a year. This instruction must cover specific workplace hazards and the corresponding protective measures and must be documented. For trainees, even semi-annual instruction is required. A study shows that regular instruction can reduce accident rates by up to fifteen percent. According to §7 DGUV Regulation 1, the entrepreneur may only employ insured individuals in activities for which they are qualified. This means they must have the necessary training, knowledge, and experience or have been adequately instructed. For certain hazardous tasks, as defined in §8 DGUV Regulation 1, stricter qualification and supervision requirements apply. Careful selection and training of employees directly contribute to accident prevention.
Implementing structured occupational safety: Organisation of first aid and safety officers
A functioning organization for workplace health and safety is essential and is detailed in DGUV Regulation 1. This specifically includes First Aid and the role of Safety Officers. Employers must ensure in accordance with §24 DGUV Regulation 1 that the necessary facilities and resources for First Aid, such as bandages and reporting devices, are available. The number of first aiders required depends on the size of the operation: For two to twenty insured persons present, one first aider is necessary, for more than twenty insured persons in administrative and commercial enterprises, five percent, and in other enterprises, ten percent. First aiders must undergo training every two years. Furthermore, in accordance with §20 DGUV Regulation 1, safety officers must be appointed in companies with regularly more than twenty employees. These volunteers support the employer and managers in implementing health and safety measures. Safety officers are important multipliers for the safety culture in 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 officers to the employees. Well-organized areas like this can reduce response times in emergencies 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 courses for first aiders (at least every two years)
Assurance of reporting devices (telephone, emergency numbers displayed prominently)
Organization of safe transport for the injured for further medical treatment
Documentation of each first aid service (first aid book or similar record)
Creation of emergency response plans
Careful planning of these measures is an important component of the statutory accident insurance.
Insured persons in focus: Support obligations and correct conduct under §§ 15 to 18
The insured individuals, i.e., the employees, also share responsibility for safety and health protection in the workplace. According to §15 of the DGUV regulation 1, they are required to take care of their own safety and health at work, as well as the safety and health of those affected by their actions or omissions at work, according to their abilities and in accordance with the employer's instructions and guidance. They must use facilities, equipment, and materials as intended (§17). The active participation of employees significantly increases the effectiveness of protective measures. Special support obligations under §16 include the immediate reporting of identified defects in protective devices or identified hazards to the employer or the responsible supervisor. Insured individuals are also required to be trained as first responders, provided there are no personal reasons preventing this (§28). Adhering to entry and stay prohibitions in hazardous areas (§18) is a given. A violation of these obligations can lead to employment-related consequences.
Deepen expert knowledge: DGUV Rule 100-001, transfer of duties and consequences of violations
For a detailed design of 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 carrying out 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 assign reliable and competent persons in writing to independently assume occupational safety tasks. A correct delegation of duties requires a clear definition of tasks, responsibilities, and authorities and must be signed by the appointed person. A ruling by the Federal Administrative Court in 2016 emphasized the necessity of an accurate and not just formulaic transfer. 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 sound knowledge of these regulations is essential for legally compliant business management and can significantly reduce costs due to work absences.
Our expert tip: Make use of the offers provided by professional associations and accident insurance funds. Many offer industry-specific action guidelines and seminars on DGUV Regulation 1, such as those from the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IAG) of the DGUV. This can help you to interpret and implement the regulations correctly.
Overview of important paragraphs in DGUV Regulation 1:
§2 General duties of the entrepreneur
§3 Assessment of working conditions, documentation
§4 Instruction of insured persons
§7 Competence for activities
§13 Delegation of duties
§15 General support obligations of insured persons
§20 Safety representatives
§24 General duties 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 towards 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 company. By systematically preventing workplace accidents and occupational illnesses, you not only reduce human suffering but also minimise downtime and associated costs. Moreover, a safe working environment enhances the motivation and productivity of your workforce. Many companies only realise the value of a proactive safety culture after an incident occurs. 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 analysis can reveal 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 examined free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
The DGUV offers a specific publication for download here, providing in-depth information on prevention principles.
On the website of the DGUV, you can find the official DGUV regulation 1, which details the fundamental principles of prevention.
The BGW provides the DGUV Rule 100-001 as a PDF download, which specifies the principles of prevention.
The prevention department 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 for monitoring and assessment in occupational safety.
Specific data and analyses on occupational safety and health (SuGA) are available on the BAuA website.
The BMAS (Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) provides information on the legal foundations and initiatives in occupational safety.
The BG BAU offers specific information on the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases in the construction industry.
The DGUV provides information on workplace health and the promotion of occupational health management.
FAQ
Who does DGUV Regulation 1 apply to?
The DGUV Regulation 1 applies to all companies and businesses that are members of the statutory accident insurance, as well as to their insured individuals (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, assesses 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 serve as a contact point for colleagues. They are mandatory in companies with more than 20 employees.
Do employees have to bear the costs for protective measures?
No, according to section 2 paragraph 5 of DGUV Regulation 1, the employer is not allowed to impose the costs for occupational safety measures on the insured employees.
Where can I find the DGUV Rule 100-001?
The DGUV Rule 100-001 “Principles of Prevention” can be found on the website of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) under Publications. It specifies the DGUV Regulation 1.
How many first-aiders does my business need?
With 2 to 20 insured persons present, one first aider is needed. For more than 20 insured persons present, it is 5 percent in administrative/commercial operations, and 10 percent in other operations of the insured persons present.
