Labour inspectors

The German social accident insurance institutions have a statutory mandate to use all appropriate means to prevent occupational accidents, occupational diseases and work-related health hazards, as well as ensuring effective first aid. The fulfilment of this statutory prevention mandate, particularly regarding consultation and monitoring of companies and educational institutions, sees labour inspectors (as defined in § 18 German Social Code (SGB) VII) perform a key function in their role as the link between the German social accident insurance institutions and companies. The prerequisites for the successful delivery of a labour inspector’s duties are: a) a high-quality education combining theory with practice and interdisciplinary with sector-specific knowledge and practical experience; and b) continuous further training. The overriding aim is for labour inspectors to be able to guide and monitor companies in a qualified manner.

Training opportunities in both areas (trade and industry/public sector) are detailed here:

• Training opportunities at the Institute of Work and Health (IAG)