← BlogOctober 27, 20235 min readEditorial teamDEUAENRU

For workers

Occupational safety on the construction site: induction and your rights

Construction is one of the most dangerous sectors. German law therefore sets clear rules: before you start, you must be instructed — in a language you understand — and your employer must provide the right protective equipment.

The safety induction (Unterweisung)

Before your first day on site, your employer must explain the hazards of your job and how to avoid them. This is required by the Occupational Safety Act (ArbSchG) and repeated at least once a year, and whenever conditions change.

• The induction must be understandable — ask for an interpreter or written material in your language.
• You sign to confirm it. Read before you sign.
• Keep a copy for your own records.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Helmet, safety shoes, high-visibility vest, gloves, goggles and hearing protection are the basics. Your employer pays for required PPE — you must not be charged for it.

Typical hazards

1. Falls from scaffolding, roofs and ladders — the number-one cause of serious accidents.
2. Falling objects — never stand under suspended loads.
3. Machinery and vehicles on site.
4. Heat, dust and noise.

Your rights

You may refuse work that poses an immediate danger to life or health, without losing your pay. You also have the right to report unsafe conditions to the site manager, the safety officer or the statutory accident insurance (BG BAU).

What to do after an accident

Stop work, alert your supervisor and call 112 if needed. Every workplace accident must be recorded, and the statutory accident insurance covers treatment — even for short-term workers.

What you can do

Ask questions during the induction, wear your PPE every day and speak up when something looks unsafe. More on clothing: see our guide to work clothes and protective gear and the construction helper job profile.

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