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.
Last updated: 10.11.2026
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.
