How did Germany respond to the COVID-19 pandemic from an occupational safety and health (OSH) perspective? What worked, what didn’t—and what can we learn for the future?
The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has published its comprehensive national report as part of the PEROSH collaborative project “Lessons Learnt: How Different European Countries Addressed Occupational Health and Safety Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
This report offers a deep dive into Germany’s OSH system, its pandemic response, and the long-term implications for workplaces, policies, and society. Key highlights include:
- Rapid regulatory adaptation: From the Corona Occupational Health and Safety Standard to the SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance, Germany implemented swift and coordinated measures to protect workers.
- Digitisation as a lifeline: Remote work and digital tools became essential for maintaining operations and public administration.
- Challenges of inequality: SMEs, care professions, and lower-income workers faced disproportionate risks and barriers to protection.
- Psychosocial impacts: Mental health strains, especially in care-related professions and among remote workers, underscore the need for holistic OSH strategies.
- Strategic recommendations: The report concludes with actionable insights for future crisis preparedness, including stronger integration of OSH in crisis planning, improved communication, and enhanced digital infrastructure.
Germany’s experience, as documented by BAuA, reinforces the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and equity in occupational safety and health—values that PEROSH continues to champion across Europe.
📘 Read the full report: Lessons learnt in Germany from the COVID-19 pandemic from an occupational safety and health perspective
