Safety Officers

Safety Officers are persons appointed in writing by the university management at the suggestion of the responsible manager who support the university management, managers, occupational safety specialists, the company physician and colleagues in preventing accidents, work-related illnesses and health hazards.

Safety Officer

This topic in AGUM

Safety representatives do not bear more responsibility in occupational safety than any other employee. This means that there is no additional liability risk for them and therefore safety representatives cannot issue instructions or supervise(DGUV Information 211-042 Safety Representatives).

Tasks of safety officers

  1. support occupational safety, health and environmental protection measures in his area of responsibility.
  2. to observe for the presence and use of prescribed protective devices.
  3. informing superiors of possible hazards or deficiencies to occupational safety and health.
  4. taking note of accident reports.
  5. to inform and motivate work colleagues in matters of occupational safety and health.

The role of safety officers

The safety officer works on an honorary basis and, within his area of responsibility, is to support the employer and his managers in the implementation of measures to prevent occupational accidents and diseases (DGUV Information 211-021, The Safety Officer).

Safety representatives thus support the line managers in improving occupational safety and health protection and provide information on identified safety problems. In particular, they ensure that the prescribed protective devices and personal protective equipment are used properly and draw attention to accident and health hazards.

A certificate of competence is not required for the position of safety officer. However, the accident insurance fund offers free training courses.