Overview
The training gives prospective and already appointed safety officers (Sicherheitsbeauftragte) an understanding of their duties, rights and limits. It is based on § 22 SGB VII (Book Seven of the German Social Code), § 20 DGUV Vorschrift 1 (an accident-prevention rule issued by the DGUV, the German Social Accident Insurance institutions and their regulations) and the current framework of DGUV Grundsatz 311-004. The focus is on typical situations, hazard recognition and collegial communication.
In this training you get to know your duties, rights and limits. You learn how to recognise accident and health hazards, draw colleagues’ attention to safe behaviour and support the correct use of protective devices and personal protective equipment.
Role, duties and limits
Safety officers support the employer in prevention without themselves taking on management, supervisory or directive responsibility. The basic qualification prepares them for this collegial role. Continuing education updates their knowledge and takes up operational changes. Appointment and the number required depend on the number of employees, the hazards and spatial, temporal and technical proximity.
Safety officers work in a voluntary, collegial capacity and without authority to give instructions or exercise supervision. Responsibility for health and safety remains with the employer and the responsible managers.
Appointment and number
Under § 22 SGB VII, companies that regularly have at least 50 employees must appoint safety officers. Where there is a particular hazard, the obligation already applies to companies that regularly have more than 20 and fewer than 50 employees. The number required also depends on § 20 DGUV Vorschrift 1 and the operational circumstances.
Basic qualification
There are no particular technical prerequisites. Operational experience, acceptance among colleagues and an interest in health and safety are advisable.
Completion: “Safety officers” training record from ADLER Academy. Duration: 2 days / 16 teaching hours.
Continuing education
The continuing education is aimed at already qualified safety officers. It updates their specialist knowledge and takes up new or changed operational hazards. The required interval is set on the basis of operational need.
Completion: continuing-education record from ADLER Academy. Duration: 1 day / 8 teaching hours.
Content
- Legal basis to § 22 SGB VII and § 20 DGUV Vorschrift 1
- Framework to DGUV Grundsatz 311-004
- Role, duties, rights and limits
- Selection and appointment of safety officers
- Recognising and reporting hazards
- Protective devices and personal protective equipment
- Involvement in accident analysis and risk assessment
- Communication and cooperation in the company
- Ergonomic workplace design
- Practical situations and checklists
- Written knowledge test
Frequently asked questions
When must safety officers be appointed?
As a rule, from 50 regular employees. For more than 20 and fewer than 50 employees, the obligation applies where the risk assessment identifies a particular hazard to life and health.
Do safety officers have authority to give instructions?
No. They provide collegial support, recognise hazards and speak to employees. Responsibility remains with the employer and the responsible managers.
How often is continuing education required?
There is no fixed general interval. What matters is operational need, changes in hazards and the necessary maintenance of practical competence.