Safety representatives in Germany: when are they mandatory? The new rules since 2026
Since 29 May 2026, companies in Germany generally only have to appoint safety representatives from 50 employees. What has changed, what safety representatives do and how to choose them.
Last updated on 7 min readAMS Go editorial team
Key points at a glance
- Since 29 May 2026, Section 22 of Social Code Book VII (SGB VII) applies: safety representatives are generally mandatory from 50 regular employees – previously the threshold was more than 20.
- Companies with more than 20 and fewer than 50 employees only have to appoint them if the risk assessment shows particular hazards.
- Safety representatives support the employer on a voluntary basis but bear no responsibility for occupational safety and must not be disadvantaged because of their role.
- Training is offered by the employers' liability insurance associations and public accident insurance funds; the employer gives safety representatives time off for it.
What are safety representatives?
Safety representatives (Sicherheitsbeauftragte) are employees who support the employer with occupational safety alongside their actual work. They know their area from everyday work, spot hazards early and speak to colleagues about safe behaviour – as peers and without authority to give instructions.
The legal basis is Section 22 of Social Code Book VII (SGB VII). The role is specified in DGUV Regulation 1 “Principles of prevention”.
When are safety representatives mandatory?
The German Bundestag raised the threshold in March 2026. Since 29 May 2026, the following tiers apply under Section 22 SGB VII:
up to 20
Duty to appointno duty
more than 20 and fewer than 50
Duty to appointonly if the risk assessment shows particular hazards to life and health
Regular employees 50 to 249
Duty to appointmandatory – one safety representative is usually enough, more with particular hazards
Regular employees 250 or more
Duty to appointmandatory – number according to the circumstances in the company
DGUV Regulation 1 has yet to be adapted to the new legal situation. Until then, the law takes precedence. Safety representatives who have already been appointed can of course continue in their role – many companies deliberately keep them because they have proven their worth.
How many safety representatives does a company need?
Where more than one safety representative is needed, the number depends on the circumstances in the company. DGUV Regulation 1 names criteria including:
- the accident and health hazards in the company
- spatial proximity to the employees looked after
- proximity in time, for example with shift work
- professional proximity to the activities in the area
- the number of employees
In practice, it works well to have a fixed contact person for each area and shift – for example for production, the warehouse and the workshop.
Safety inspections with AMS GoSafety representatives report defects directly with a smartphone and photo – the measure lands in the action plan immediately.Tasks of safety representatives
- 1
Watch out for hazards
In everyday work, they check whether protective devices are present and working and whether personal protective equipment is used.
- 2
Report defects
They report defects to the manager or the occupational safety specialist.
- 3
Speak to colleagues
They point out hazards to colleagues – especially new and changing staff.
- 4
Take part in inspections and accident investigations
Their knowledge of the area is valuable for inspections, risk assessments and accident analysis.
- 5
Work on the occupational safety committee
Where an occupational safety committee exists, the safety representatives are among its members.
Appointment and training
- 1
Choose suitable people
Experienced employees who are respected in the team and regularly on site in the area are well suited. Managers are less suitable, because safety representatives should advise as peers.
- 2
Involve the works council
The appointment is made with the involvement of the works council, if there is one (Section 22 (1) SGB VII).
- 3
Document the appointment
Record the appointment in writing, with area, tasks and date, and make the safety representatives known in the company.
- 4
Arrange training
The accident insurance institutions offer basic and refresher courses. The employer gives participants time off for them.
Checklist: safety representatives
- Number of regular employees determined
- Checked in the risk assessment whether particular hazards exist
- Required number defined by area and shift
- Suitable people chosen and works council involved
- Appointment documented in writing and made known in the company
- Training with the accident insurance institution planned
- Regular exchange with managers and the occupational safety specialist agreed
Free templates for this guide
As PDF and Excel, no sign-up – free to use in your own company.
Frequently asked questions
From how many employees do you need a safety representative in Germany?
Since 29 May 2026, generally from 50 regular employees. Companies with more than 20 and fewer than 50 employees only have to appoint one if the risk assessment shows particular hazards.
What changed for safety representatives in 2026?
The threshold in Section 22 SGB VII was raised from more than 20 to 50 employees. For companies with 50 to 249 employees, one safety representative is usually enough.
Is a safety representative liable?
No. Safety representatives advise and support; responsibility for occupational safety remains with the employer and managers.
What is the difference between a safety representative and an occupational safety specialist?
The occupational safety specialist is a trained expert who advises the employer under the Occupational Safety Act. Safety representatives are employees from the work areas who provide voluntary support in everyday work.
Who pays for the training?
The employers' liability insurance associations and public accident insurance funds offer the courses for their member companies. The employer gives participants time off for the training.
Terms from the glossary
This guide 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.
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