Occupational safety committee (Arbeitsschutzausschuss, ASA)
Also: Arbeitsschutzausschuss, ASA, health and safety committee
Definition
The occupational safety committee is the body in which the employer, works council, company doctor, occupational safety specialist and safety representatives discuss occupational safety matters at least quarterly. It is mandatory from more than 20 employees (Section 11 of the Occupational Safety Act).
Members are the employer or an authorised representative, two members of the works council, company doctors, occupational safety specialists and safety representatives. The committee advises but does not decide – implementation remains the employer's responsibility. Typical topics: accident statistics, results of inspections, status of the risk assessment, planned changes, safety instruction, health checks.
The meetings are minuted; the minutes are regularly requested during inspections by the employers' liability insurance association or the authorities.
Legal basis
- Section 11 of the Occupational Safety Act (ASiG)
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Related terms
This glossary entry gives a general overview of German occupational safety law and does not replace legal advice. The regulations in force and the rules of the statutory accident insurance institutions are authoritative.
