Opening a German site: safety essentials
Before employees start work at a German location, establish the organisation, risk assessment and instruction they need. Treat this as an operational checklist, not a promise that every duty can wait until the end of the first year.
Before the first working day
Review the site and each activity, document hazards and protective measures, assign responsibilities, and plan understandable instruction before employees begin their tasks.
- Gefährdungsbeurteilung: assess the actual work and site
- Unterweisung: cover hazards, protective measures and local procedures
- Arrange emergency contacts, escape routes and first-aid supplies
Set up qualified support
Determine the required occupational health and safety support under ASiG and the applicable DGUV Vorschrift 2. A Fachkraft für Arbeitssicherheit (occupational safety specialist) and Betriebsarzt (occupational physician) advise the employer; the appropriate care model depends on the organisation and applicable rules.
- Select the appropriate safety-specialist and occupational-physician support
- Arrange qualified Ersthelfer (first aiders)
- Arrange Brandschutzhelfer (fire safety assistants) and practical training where required
During the first year and beyond
Maintain records, review changes and repeat instruction at the applicable intervals. Add role-specific data-protection awareness and AI-literacy measures where relevant; these are distinct from the annual workplace-safety instruction duty.
- Review hires, role changes and new equipment
- Schedule required refreshers and practical elements
- Keep training records and review outstanding assignments
Frequently asked questions
Can headquarters manage training from abroad?
Yes, administration can be centralised, but German-site responsibilities and local risk-based instruction must remain clear. Make competent local contacts available for questions.
Does an online first-aid module qualify a first aider?
No. Awareness instruction is different from the required first-aider qualification and refresher training.
Can Armstrong replace our safety specialist?
No. Armstrong supports instruction and its records; it does not replace legally required qualified occupational safety or medical support.
Official sources
- ArbSchG §12
- DGUV Vorschrift 1 (English)
- JArbSchG §29
- AI Act Article 4
- Arbeitssicherheitsgesetz (ASiG)
- Workplace first aid (DGUV)
General orientation, not individual legal advice. German legislation and applicable rules take precedence.