Health and safety on German sites — what site management and inspectors require

Site induction

Safety training completed at home does not replace an induction for the specific site. Site management or the safety coordinator delivers it on the first working day: hazards, escape routes, machine traffic routes, first aid point.

The induction must be understandable — if the crew does not speak German, translation is required. Attendance is confirmed by signature and stays in the site records.

Personal protective equipment

The employer supplies the equipment at its own expense; charging the worker for it is not permitted. The usual standard:

• Safety helmet within its service life.
• S3 safety boots with toe protection and a penetration-resistant sole.
• High-visibility vest or clothing in the class required on that site.
• Gloves suited to the task, plus safety glasses where there is dust or sparks.
• Hearing protection when working with percussive machinery.
• A harness with a fall arrest system for work above two metres, plus training in its use.

Accident insurance and BG BAU

German statutory accident insurance for construction is run by the sector body BG BAU. A posted worker holding a valid A1 remains covered by their home country's accident insurance — another reason main contractors ask for the A1.

Many sites additionally require proof of registration with BG BAU or of foreign insurance cover. Settle this point before signing.

Qualifications most often requested

• Operating mobile elevating work platforms.
• Operating forklifts and telehandlers.
• Welding — MAG/TIG qualifications with a current welder's certificate.
• Work at height using fall protection equipment.
• Electrical competence for installation work.
• A driving licence with code 95 when transporting crew and equipment.

An accident at work — first steps

1. 1

   Secure the scene and give first aid

   The emergency number in Germany is 112. Larger sites have a designated first aid point.

2. 2

   Inform site management

   The incident belongs in the site records — without an entry, a later claim is hard to prove.

3. 3

   See an approved doctor

   For accidents at work the German system routes patients to a Durchgangsarzt, whose report drives the rest of the procedure.

4. 4

   Notify the employer at home

   The company prepares the accident report under its own national rules and notifies its insurance institution.

5. 5

   Secure the paperwork

   Insurance card, medical findings, witness details and photographs of the scene — collect them immediately, not a month later.