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Safety inspections by German authorities: how to prepare
Since 2026, the labour inspectorates of the German federal states have had to inspect at least five per cent of all establishments every year. For companies with operations in Germany, an inspection has become noticeably more likely. Those with their records in order can face it calmly.
Updated 4 min read
Key takeaways
- Germany has a dual supervision system: state labour inspectorates and inspectors from the statutory accident insurers.
- Since 2026, a minimum inspection rate of five per cent of establishments per year applies (section 21(1a) ArbSchG).
- The focus is on the risk assessment and how it is implemented – not on individual forms.
- Inspectors may enter premises during working hours and examine records (section 22 ArbSchG).
- Failing to comply with an enforceable order can lead to fines of up to €30,000.
Who inspects? Germany's dual system
Occupational health and safety in Germany is supervised from two sides. The state labour inspectorates – called Gewerbeaufsicht, Amt für Arbeitsschutz or Regierungspräsidium depending on the federal state – enforce the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) and its ordinances. Inspectors from the statutory accident insurers (Berufsgenossenschaften and Unfallkassen) supervise the accident prevention regulations and advise companies (sections 17 and 19 SGB VII).
Both coordinate their work under the Joint German Occupational Safety and Health Strategy (GDA). Visits may be announced or unannounced – routine, after an accident or following a complaint.
New since 2026: the minimum inspection rate
The Occupational Safety and Health Control Act added section 21(1a) to the ArbSchG. Starting with the calendar year 2026, each federal state must inspect at least five per cent of the establishments in its territory every year, based on the previous year's statistics of the Federal Employment Agency.
On paper, that means a visit roughly every 20 years. Because authorities select establishments by risk, however, an inspection is considerably more likely for operations with higher hazard potential.
How an inspection works
- 1
Opening meeting
The inspector explains the reason and scope. Site management and the safety specialist should attend; if there is a works council, it must be involved (section 89 BetrVG).
- 2
Review of the organisation
The focus is on the risk assessment, appointments, training and inspection records. Increasingly, the health and safety organisation is assessed as a whole rather than as a list of individual defects.
- 3
Site tour
Inspectors look at traffic and escape routes, machine guarding, storage of hazardous substances, first-aid facilities and whether documented measures have actually been implemented.
- 4
Closing meeting
Findings are discussed. A written report with deadlines often follows; in case of serious hazards, the authority can issue orders.
Documents to have ready
| Topic | Documents |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Written delegation of duties, appointment of safety specialist and occupational physician, safety representatives, safety committee minutes |
| Risk assessment | Current assessments for all areas including psychological stress, defined controls and effectiveness checks |
| Training | Training records with date, content and confirmation by participants; training plan |
| Equipment and installations | Inspection register, inspection reports, evidence of competent persons |
| Hazardous substances | Substances register, current safety data sheets, operating instructions, substitution assessment where required |
| Emergencies and first aid | List of first aiders and fire wardens, first-aid log, escape and rescue plans, alarm plan |
| Occupational medicine | Record of occupational health check-ups offered and carried out |
| Working time | Working time records where legally required |
Common findings
- No risk assessment for certain areas, or one that has not been reviewed for years.
- Psychological stress has not been assessed.
- Training is not documented or took place more than a year ago.
- Inspection deadlines for ladders, racking or electrical equipment have been exceeded.
- The substances register is incomplete and safety data sheets are outdated.
- Controls have been defined but not implemented or checked for effectiveness.
After the inspection: reports and orders
The outcome is usually recorded in a written report (Revisionsschreiben) listing findings and deadlines. Treat it like an action plan: every finding gets an owner, a deadline and evidence of completion. Report back on implementation in time.
If deficiencies are not remedied, the authority can issue orders under section 22(3) ArbSchG and prohibit the affected work if necessary. Breaching an enforceable order is an administrative offence punishable by a fine of up to €30,000 (section 25 ArbSchG). Persistent repetition or endangering employees' life or health can be prosecuted as a criminal offence (section 26 ArbSchG).
Always ready instead of a last-minute clean-up
The best preparation is health and safety that works – and can be proven – every day. When risk assessments, training, inspections, hazardous substances and actions are kept in one system, the required evidence can be compiled quickly. In EHS Go you export risk assessments, the inspection register, training status and the action list per site as PDF, and you track the findings from the inspection report as actions until they are closed.
Frequently asked questions
Do inspections have to be announced?
No. Inspectors may enter premises unannounced during operating and working hours. Many inspections are announced nonetheless, so that the right contacts and documents are available.
Does the works council have to be present?
Yes. Under section 89 of the Works Constitution Act (BetrVG), the employer must involve the works council in inspections and safety-related matters with authorities and accident insurers.
What happens if deficiencies are found?
Usually you receive a written report with deadlines. If the deficiencies are remedied and reported back in time, the matter is generally closed. For serious or repeated deficiencies, the authority can issue orders, and non-compliance is subject to fines.
This article provides a general overview and does not constitute legal advice.
