The number of accidents at work had been falling for many years, but rose again in 2021. Why was that?
In 2021, we were able to understand the effects of the corona pandemic on accidents in the statistics for the first time. The omicron variant has become more widespread than its predecessors in the younger sections of the population and thus among the working population. In many cases there was a suspicion that the infection happened in the work environment. Thus, the infections are statistically recorded with the occupational diseases.
This means that if you ignore Corona, the positive long-term development will remain. What are the main reasons why the number of accidents at work continues to decrease?
The interaction of the professional associations with the companies is crucial. The trade associations have supervisory duties as well as the task of converting new research results on occupational safety into corresponding regulations, training companies and pointing out how occupational safety in the company can be improved. The task of companies is to make the world of work safer with their investments. The trend towards a long-term decline in the number of occupational accidents shows that both work well together.
In the event of serious accidents at work and long-term illnesses, the professional associations take care of medical and occupational rehabilitation.
What happens to employees who are unable to return to their old job due to an accident at work or work-related illnesses?
These cases are rather rare. In the event of serious accidents and long-term illnesses, the professional associations first take care of medical rehabilitation. If the previous activity is no longer possible due to physical or health impairments, the professional associations also help people to train for other professional activities that they can carry out despite their limitations.
Do you have a concrete example of this professional rehabilitation?
Suppose I am a carpenter and after several decades of work I have what is colloquially called a back. Carrying heavy blockboards is then simply no longer possible. Retraining for a job that is less straining on your back but still fits the topic would then be an option – for example as a kitchen planner or interior decorator.
In contrast to pension or health insurance, there is no fixed contribution rate for companies in statutory accident insurance. Isn’t that unfair?
This is discussed again and again, but the idea behind the statutory accident insurance obligation is different. It does not come from the idea that there is a health risk that needs to be insured in solidarity – we have statutory health insurance for that. Accident insurance has grown over the course of its history because it basically assumes liability for the employer’s liability risk. And that is why, above all, it protects companies from having to take on incalculable risks of any kind.
The majority of investments in prevention are made by companies.
Around 8 percent of the expenses of the statutory accident insurance go into prevention. Is that not enough?
It has little effect because we think that prevention should be the main task of statutory accident insurance. So is she. However, the trade associations are primarily responsible for advising and supervising companies on accident prevention. Most of the investments in safe machines, ergonomic office chairs or company health management are made by the companies.
But isn’t that a risk for companies that want to operate as efficiently as possible?
One could assume so. But this is exactly where the duty of supervision of the professional associations comes into play. They clarify with the companies whether the safety standards are being met. In case of doubt, the trade association can demand surcharges on the contribution obligation for individual companies. The fact that this cooperation makes sense and works well is shown by the significantly reduced risk of accidents over the past few decades.
