PRESS STATEMENT Costly measures that pose a massive threat to safety

“No one is opposed to low-bureaucracy and efficient occupational safety. But: Safety officers are not bureaucracy; they are a guaranteed safeguard for workers’ health. The minister’s plans are costly measures that will ultimately pose a massive threat to workers’ safety: more accidents, more sick days, more rehabilitation, more disability—even one affected person is already one too many.

Every workplace poses health and safety risks that employers are required to minimize or eliminate. Safety officers, through their manageable and voluntary commitment, ensure that laws and regulations are enforced.

Instead of strengthening prevention, the government is seeking to cut back on important occupational safety measures—particularly for hazardous work and when contracting with outside firms—which is completely the wrong approach.”

Further information and press photos of Hans-Jürgen Urban