The national profile of the occupational safety and health system in Germany

The German Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) System dates back in its beginnings to the times of the 19th century industrial revolution and the social reformations of the Prussian chancellor Bismarck. It has been adapted to economic and political changes several times, lately in the 1990ies to the European Council regulation. German OSH matters are dealt with under the authority of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affaires. Most prominent peculiarity is the so-called “Dual System” of Federal OSH legislation and statutory accident insurance regulation as well as of enterprise inspection by the federal state inspection authorities and the technical inspection services of the statutory accident insurances. Accident insurance is financed exclusively by the employers. Current challenges are the increase of musculoskeletal disorders and stress due to working conditions and also the general labor market situation, all in combination with a steadily aging population. The OSH profile is an essential initial step in the process of building a good national OSH programme. It is a key tool in the application of systems management approach to OSH. The profile can be used not only as a basis for identifying priorities for action but also as a tool for measuring progress over time through its periodic updating. By identifying gaps and weaknesses, it is a key tool for continual improvement of the national OSH system. Part V of ILO Recommendation on the promotional framework for occupational safety and health, (No. 197), 2006, includes a detailed list of the elements that should be covered in the national profile. National profiles are very useful for the ILO to better focus its technical cooperation assistance programmes and projects in this area.