Arbeitsschutz im Unternehmen: PSA, Ergonomie und Sicherheit

Occupational Safety and Health in the Workplace: PPE, Ergonomics, and Safety

by Anna Ullmann on Jan 09, 2026
WIEPA PRACTICAL GUIDE

Systematically Implementing Occupational Safety and Health in Your Company

Risk assessment, technical measures, organization, PPE, and ergonomic workstations go hand in hand. This guide shows how companies can turn these into a practical process.

In short: Occupational safety and health begins with a risk assessment. Measures are then derived based on the TOP principle: technical solutions take precedence, followed by organizational measures, and only then personal protective measures. Responsibilities, training, inspections, and documentation ensure that protection exists not just on paper.

What Does Occupational Safety and Health Encompass?

Occupational safety and health protects employees from accidents, work-related illnesses, and health burdens. It doesn't just apply to production and workshops. Office workplaces, mobile work, warehouses, kitchens, cleaning, field service, and psychological stress also fall under consideration.

Area Examples of Hazards Possible Measures
Office Unfavorable posture, glare, tripping hazards, high workload Ergonomic furniture, lighting, cable management, work organization
Warehouse and Logistics Crushing, lifting, industrial trucks, falling objects Traffic routes, shelf protection, lifting aids, training, PPE
Cleaning Chemicals, skin contact, slip hazards Substitution, dosing, labeling, gloves, skin protection
Outdoor Area Weather, machinery, traffic, noise Work planning, warning clothing, hearing protection, sun protection
Home Office and Mobile Improvised workplaces, isolation, lack of separation Equipment, clear rules, communication, breaks and movement

Risk Assessment as a Starting Point

Employers must identify, assess, and define suitable measures for hazards. The assessment should specifically consider activities and work areas, rather than just filling out general forms. Changes such as new machines, renovations, new hazardous substances, mobile work, or accidents may necessitate an update.

A Practical Structure

  1. Record work areas and activities.
  2. Identify hazards, including psychological stress.
  3. Assess risks and set priorities.
  4. Select measures according to the TOP principle.
  5. Define responsibilities and deadlines.
  6. Check effectiveness and document results.
  7. Update in case of changes or new insights.

Why PPE Is Not the First Solution

Personal protective equipment is important, but it is at the end of the protection measure hierarchy. For example, an exhaust system can be more effective than respiratory protection alone. A safe machine is better than exclusively cut-resistant gloves. Where residual risks remain, PPE must be selected according to the hazard, provided free of charge, maintained, and used correctly.

PPE Selection Criteria Organizational Task
Protective Gloves Mechanical, chemical, or thermal risks; fit; wearing duration Suitable sizes, changes, skin protection plan
Eye and Face Protection Particles, liquids, radiation, fogging Cleaning, personal assignment, replacement
Hearing Protection Noise exposure and necessary communication Training, wearing control, hygiene
Foot Protection Impact, penetration, slipping, chemicals Suitable protection class and sizes
Warning Clothing Visibility, traffic area, weather Cleanliness, reflective effect, replacement

Ergonomics Is Part of Occupational Safety and Health

Ergonomics not only reduces discomfort. Easily adjustable work equipment facilitates concentrated work and can prevent incorrect posture. The interaction of chair, table, screen, input devices, lighting, and work organization is crucial. An expensive chair alone does not solve a poorly set up workstation.

Practical example: A height-adjustable desk only becomes useful when employees know how to sensibly alternate between sitting and standing phases and correctly position the screen and input devices.

Connecting Training, Inspection, and Procurement

Procurement should not check safety requirements only after purchase. Safety specialists, company doctors, purchasing, and users should collaborate on relevant products. Standardized approved assortments can reduce incorrect purchases and ensure that replacement products meet the same requirements.

Typical Mistakes

  • PPE is selected only by price or standard size.
  • Risk assessments are not updated.
  • Training sessions are general and not activity-specific.
  • Inspection intervals are not bindingly assigned to anyone.
  • Office and home office risks are underestimated.
  • Accidents and near misses are not evaluated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for occupational safety and health?

Overall responsibility lies with the employer. Tasks can be professionally delegated, but selection, organization, and control remain part of the responsibility.

What does the TOP principle mean?

It describes the hierarchy of technical, organizational, and personal protective measures. Personal protective equipment should cover remaining risks.

Must psychological stress be assessed?

Yes. The risk assessment also includes psychological stress, such as work intensity, interruptions, or unclear responsibilities.

How often must training take place?

Training takes place before starting work and thereafter regularly, but at least in accordance with the relevant regulations, and in the event of changes or special occasions.

Can employees be charged for PPE?

Required personal protective equipment must generally be provided by the employer. Selection and use must match the hazard.

Relevant Wiepa Guides

Also read First Aid in the Company, Health in the Office and Setting Up Your Home Office Correctly.

Sources and Further Information

Compile Your Occupational Safety and Health Needs Correctly

Wiepa supports companies in Wiesbaden and the Rhine-Main area with PPE, first aid equipment, labeling, ergonomic work equipment, and standardized procurement lists.

Request personal consultation

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