Germany eases workplace safety rules to relieve small businesses

A controversial reform slashes red tape for SMEs, but will fewer safety officers put employees at risk? The debate over cost-cutting vs. protection heats up.

, and Administrator

2026 March 27 . 1:09 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of police officers standing in front of a crowd of people wearing black... — The image shows a group of police officers standing in front of a crowd of people wearing black uniforms and masks. In the background, there is a bridge and a building, suggesting that the scene is taking place in a city. The officers appear to be in the midst of a protest, likely in response to the German government's decision to ban the use of anti-terror measures.

Germany eases workplace safety rules to relieve small businesses

The German Bundestag has voted to raise the employee thresholds for appointing workplace safety officers. The reform means smaller businesses will no longer face the same strict requirements as before. Supporters argue it will cut costs and improve efficiency, but critics warn of risks to worker safety. Under the new rules, companies with fewer than 50 employees no longer need a dedicated safety representative. Previously, the threshold was set at just 20 employees, which many small firms found burdensome. The change aims to reduce financial strain, with government estimates suggesting annual savings of around €135 million for SMEs.

Larger businesses with up to 250 employees now only need one safety officer, unless they operate in hazardous sectors. This shift allows firms to reallocate internal resources and focus on broader strategic goals. However, experts stress the importance of monitoring these changes to prevent any weakening of worker protections. Critics, including members of the Greens and Left Party, have raised concerns. They argue that fewer safety officers could lead to more workplace accidents. The debate reflects a broader tension between economic efficiency and maintaining high safety standards.

The reform will ease administrative demands on small and medium-sized businesses. Companies can now redirect time and money previously spent on compliance. Yet, the long-term impact on workplace safety remains a key point of observation for regulators and industry watchers.