Arbeitsstättenverordnung im Büro: Pflichten und praktische Checkliste

Laws & Ergonomics in the Workplace – What Employers Need to Know

by Anna Ullmann on Jan 09, 2026

Workplace ergonomics are part of statutory occupational safety. Employers must identify risks, carry out risk assessments, and derive ergonomic measures. The most important basics can be found here, compact and understandable.

1. Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) – Cornerstone for Ergonomics
The Occupational Safety and Health Act obliges employers to take measures for the safety and health of employees – including ergonomic workplace design. This includes:
  • Risk assessment (mandatory!)
  • Assessment of ergonomic risks
  • Implementation of suitable measures
  • Regular review & documentation
2. Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) – Setup & Operation
The ArbStättV defines how workplaces must be set up. It requires:
  • ergonomic design of tables, chairs & work surfaces
  • minimizing hazards (light, noise, room layout)
  • observing the state of the art & occupational medicine
  • providing suitable display screen equipment workstations
3. Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance (BetrSichV)
The BetrSichV obliges employers to provide safe work equipment. This also includes the ergonomic inspection of:
  • chairs, desks & monitors
  • work equipment such as keyboards & mice
  • aids (footrests, monitor arms, lamps)
4. Directive 90/270/EEC – Display Screen Equipment Workstations
This EU directive defines minimum requirements for display screen equipment work and has been fully incorporated into German law.
  • flicker-free, easily readable displays
  • adjustable monitor (height, tilt, distance)
  • separate keyboard (laptop alone is not sufficient)
  • avoidance of glare & reflections
5. Obligation to Instruct
Employers must regularly instruct employees, including on:
  • correct sitting posture & desk height
  • monitor distances & glare zones
  • break & movement routines
  • ergonomic use of chair, mouse & keyboard
6. DIN/ISO Standards – Ergonomic Standards
Standards are not law but are considered recognized technical standards. The most important:
  • ISO 9241 – THE central standard for display screen equipment workstations
  • DIN EN 1335 – Requirements for office chairs
  • DIN 4551 / 4554 – Chairs & desks
  • ISO 6385 – general ergonomic principles
They serve as a basis for procurement, planning & assessment.

Overview of the Most Important Legal Ergonomic Requirements

These requirements come directly from ArbSchG, ArbStättV and the EU Display Screen Equipment Directive. The overview shows which standards employers must comply with.

1. Ergonomic Sitting & Table Height
Mandatory are:
  • body-appropriate adjustability
  • sufficient legroom
  • upright, relaxed posture
  • no forced postures
2. Requirements for Display Screen Equipment Workstations
  • Monitor freely adjustable (height, distance, tilt)
  • Avoid glare & reflections
  • Flicker-free, easily readable displays
  • Keyboard & mouse ergonomically usable
  • Laptop alone is not sufficient (keyboard required)
3. Lighting & Visibility Conditions
  • sufficient daylight
  • supplementary artificial lighting
  • no direct glare
  • workstation perpendicular to the window
4. Noise & Disturbing Factors
  • Noise must not impair concentration
  • Devices must be as quiet as possible
  • acoustically suitable room
5. Movement Areas & Safety
  • sufficient movement area
  • no tripping hazards (cables, objects)
  • keep escape routes clear
6. Work Organization & Breaks
  • enable changes in posture
  • avoid monotonous activities
  • information about breaks & movement

Important Standards & ISO Guidelines for Ergonomic Workplaces

Standards help companies implement ergonomic standards in a modern & technically correct way. They are not legally mandatory but are the recommended industry standard.

1. ISO 9241 – Central Standard for Display Screen Equipment Workstations
Includes:
  • Chair requirements
  • Workplace design
  • Display quality & brightness
  • Usability & comfort
2. DIN EN ISO 6385 – Basic Principles of Ergonomics
  • ergonomic basics
  • assessment of loads
  • planning guidelines for workplaces
3. DIN 4551 / 4554 / 4556 – Chairs & Tables
  • DIN 4551: Office chairs
  • DIN 4554: Desks
  • DIN 4556: Work surfaces
4. DIN EN 1335 – Requirements for Office Swivel Chairs
  • Seat height, seat depth & backrest
  • Stability & safety
  • Synchronous mechanism & adjustment ranges
5. DGUV 115-401 – Practical Employer Guideline
  • Office & display screen equipment workplaces
  • ergonomic requirements
  • Practical recommendations

What Happens in Case of Violations? – Risks & Consequences

1. Health Consequences for Employees
  • Back & neck problems
  • Eye strain, headaches
  • Shoulder tension
  • Tenosynovitis
  • Stress & overload
2. Legal Consequences for Employers
  • Fines (ArbStättV & ArbSchG)
  • Claims for damages
  • Liability towards employers' liability insurance associations
  • official requirements
3. Impact on the Company
  • more sick days
  • productivity losses
  • higher fluctuation
  • damage to image
4. Responsibility in Home Office
  • Employer: Instruction & work equipment
  • Employees: Implementation of recommendations
  • Influence on accident recognition

Practical Recommendations – Ergonomic & Legally Compliant Implementation

1. Correctly Carry Out Risk Assessment
  • record all workplaces
  • evaluate loads (sitting, light, noise)
  • prioritize measures
  • document & update annually
2. Provide Minimum Ergonomic Equipment
  • Monitor (adjustable or monitor arm)
  • ergonomic chair
  • external keyboard & mouse
  • sufficient lighting
  • Additions: footrest, mat, seat cushion
3. Standardize Instructions
  • at least once a year
  • explain correct sitting & table height
  • communicate screen rules
  • explain break & movement routines
  • offer separate home office instruction
4. Introduce Checklists & Self-Tests
  • Ergonomics checklist for employees
  • Self-assessment for home office
  • 10-point monitor check
  • Sitting posture guide
5. Ergonomically Cover Flexible Work Arrangements
  • Mobile kits: stand + keyboard + mouse
  • Standing desks/monitor arms for shared desks
  • Home office budget or loan packages
6. Simplify Documentation
  • digital instruction records
  • save checklists
  • centrally manage risk assessments
7. Regular Workplace Adjustments
  • fine-tuning of all workplaces once a year
  • adjust after equipment exchange
  • actively involve employees
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