Setting measures: what, who, by when

In detail

Setting measures

On the basis of the hazards identified and assessed, the measures to prevent them must be set § 4(3) ASchG. These include arrangements for foreseeable disruptions and for emergency and rescue measures. The measures must reach into every activity and every level of management, and protective measures must work, as far as possible, even when people make mistakes.

What kind of measure

Where hazards or strains can't be ruled out, the Labour Inspectorate says workers must be protected by (Labour Inspectorate):

• technical measures, such as guards;
• organisational measures, such as the workflow;
• personal measures, such as protective equipment.

Collective protection takes priority over individual protection § 7 no. 8 ASchG. Beside technology, organisational measures such as inspection duties, and information measures, matter most (Labour Inspectorate).

Who does it by when

The document must contain the measures to be taken in technical and organisational terms § 2(1) no. 5 DOK-VO and, for measures that can't be carried out straight away, who is responsible for carrying them out and by when § 2(1) no. 6 DOK-VO. The Labour Inspectorate puts it briefly: deadlines and responsible people must be set for carrying out the measures (Labour Inspectorate).

Does it work?

The measures set must be checked for effectiveness and adjusted where needed, with the aim of improving working conditions § 4(4) ASchG.

Informing the workers

Employers must make sure workers are adequately informed about the hazards and the measures, so that by taking an appropriate part they can check whether the necessary protection is in place § 12(1) ASchG. The information is given during working time, before work starts, and repeated regularly § 12(2) ASchG; it must be understandable, if necessary in the worker's mother tongue or another language they understand § 12(4) ASchG.