§ 6(2) Workplace risk assessment under the ASchG

In detail

What § 6(2) requires

Your staff's workplaces are assessed regularly for hazards to their health and safety, also under section 4 of the Employee Protection Act (ASchG), the workplace risk assessment § 6(2).

What the ASchG says

• Identify and assess: as the employer you identify and assess the hazards to safety and health. Consider in particular the design of the premises, work equipment, substances, workstations, procedures, tasks and organisation, and the state of training and instruction ASchG § 4(1). Staff who are particularly at risk or in need of protection are considered specifically ASchG § 4(2).
• Set measures: on that basis you set the measures to prevent hazards, including arrangements for foreseeable disruptions and for emergency and rescue measures ASchG § 4(3). Clear escape routes belong here, for example.
• Review: in particular after accidents, with illnesses reasonably suspected to be work-related, after incidents of increased psychological strain, with new equipment, substances or procedures, with new findings, and when the labour inspectorate asks with reason ASchG § 4(5).
• Experts: where needed, bring in suitable experts, safety specialists or occupational physicians for example ASchG § 4(6).
• Document: results and measures are written down in a way that fits the number of staff and the hazards, in the safety and health protection documents ASchG § 5.

Typical hazards in a practice

Needlestick injuries, infection risks, disinfectants, screen work, lifting and carrying, stressful situations with patients. For needlesticks, the Needlestick Regulation also applies, which the Hygiene Regulation refers to (lesson 6.2).