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What occupational safety specialists can expect

2025 brings a breath of fresh air to occupational safety: new laws and regulations present companies with exciting challenges. Whether occupational safety, fire protection or environmental protection – changes are taking effect everywhere, noticeably influencing everyday operations and requiring adjustments.

The fire safety officer

A fire safety officer is a specially trained person who is responsible for organising, monitoring and improving fire safety in companies. Their tasks include drawing up fire safety concepts, training employees, conducting regular fire safety inspections and advising management. They ensure that legal requirements are met and help to minimise fire risks and protect people, the environment and property. The appointment of a fire safety officer is required by law in certain industries and buildings.

The HSE Manager

This article focuses on the role of the HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) manager, who is responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring measures in the areas of occupational safety, health protection and environmental protection. HSE managers identify hazards, develop protective measures and ensure compliance with legal regulations. Unlike occupational safety specialists, who primarily act in an advisory capacity, HSE managers take on a more comprehensive and strategic role within the company, often across multiple locations. The role of the HSE manager is particularly indispensable in industries with high safety standards, such as the chemical, construction and energy sectors.

The health and safety coordinator

The health and safety coordinator (SiGeKo) is responsible for implementing health and safety measures on construction sites. They are required when several employers are involved or dangerous work is being carried out. The SiGeKo draws up the health and safety plan, coordinates occupational safety and monitors compliance with legal requirements.

The dangerous goods safety advisor

A dangerous goods safety advisor is responsible for ensuring compliance with legal regulations governing the transport and handling of dangerous goods in companies that deal with such goods. Their tasks include monitoring, advising, training and documentation to ensure safety and legal compliance. The dangerous goods safety advisor’s working hours depend on the scope of the company’s dangerous goods activities and can be internal or external, as required.

The safety officer

A safety officer helps companies ensure occupational safety by identifying hazards and proposing accident prevention measures. According to SGB VII and DGUV regulations, companies with more than 20 employees are required to appoint at least one safety officer. The number of safety officers required depends on the size of the company, the risk situation and the working conditions. The position of safety officer is particularly essential in areas with a high risk of accidents, such as production facilities or construction sites. The safety officer acts in an advisory capacity and contributes to the implementation of occupational safety measures without having any authority to issue instructions.

The company doctor

A company doctor is required by law in many companies and performs tasks such as advising the employer, conducting preventive medical check-ups, accident prevention and the reintegration of employees. The obligation to appoint a company doctor depends on the industry and the number of employees, especially in high-risk areas. The working hours of the company doctor are calculated based on the WZ code and the number of employees, with the amount of care required varying depending on the industry.

In this blog article, you can learn more about the responsibilities and working hours of a company doctor.

The occupational safety specialist

This article explains how to calculate the number of hours per employee per year, how to divide the time between the occupational safety specialist and the company doctor, and when an occupational safety specialist is required.

TRBS 2121 Parts 1 and 2 on ladders and scaffolding: avoiding accidents step by step

This article deals with the requirements of TRBS 2121 Parts 1 & 2, Risk of employees falling when using scaffolding and ladders.
What does the employer need to consider when providing scaffolding or ladders, and what risks are involved?

CE marking

This article discusses CE marking, its purpose, and how to obtain a declaration of conformity.