The occupational safety specialist
How is the working time of an occupational safety specialist calculated?
The occupational safety specialist (Sifa) plays a central role in occupational health and safety. But how is the working time of this important specialist calculated? In this article, we provide an overview of how working time is calculated, relevant factors such as the WZ code, hours per employee per year and the distribution of working time between the occupational safety specialist and the company doctor.
When do you need an occupational safety specialist?
The need for an occupational safety specialist usually arises from the first employee onwards, depending on the type of company and the risks identified in the risk assessment. Companies with particular risks (e.g. in production, chemicals or construction) require more intensive support, while companies with lower risks (e.g. office-based businesses) may require less time.
Calculation of working hours: The WZ code and basic support
The working hours of an occupational safety specialist are usually calculated on the basis of the so-called WZ code (economic sector code). The WZ code indicates the industry in which the company operates and is decisive for determining working hours. You can find the list of WZ codes at the following link:
DGUV Regulation 2 (German Social Accident Insurance) defines basic care depending on the WZ code. This specifies the operating time in hours per year and per employee. This basic care covers all fundamental measures necessary to ensure occupational safety in the company.
Hours per employee per year
The working time of the occupational safety specialist is calculated in hours per year and per employee. The exact values depend on the company’s WZ code and are specified in DGUV Regulation 2. For example, the working time in an office workplace could be lower than in an industrial company, where there are higher risks.
Sample calculation:
- WZ code: Manufacturing company (e.g. mechanical engineering)
- Operating time: 2 hours per employee per year
If a production plant employs 50 people, this results in an annual operating time of:
50 employees × 2 hours = 100 hours per year
Division between occupational safety specialist and company doctor
The specified working time is divided between the occupational safety specialist and the company doctor. This division is made according to operational requirements and specific risks identified in the risk assessment.
As a rule, the working time is divided as follows:
- Occupational safety specialist: 60-70% of working time
- Company doctor: 30-40% of working time
Example of the division:
With a total working time of 100 hours per year (as in the example above):
- Occupational safety specialist: 60-70 hours per year
- Company doctor: 30-40 hours per year
The working time of an occupational safety specialist is calculated based on the WZ code, the number of employees and the type of activity in the company. They ensure that all necessary occupational safety measures are taken in the company. It is crucial to determine and implement these working times correctly in order to ensure the protection of employees and to meet legal requirements.
If you have any questions about calculating working hours or ordering a specialist for occupational safety, please do not hesitate to contact us!