The checklists on occupational health and safety shown here will make everyday life in your company safer. They show how you can significantly improve health and safety in your company with little effort – for the benefit of your staff and resulting in fewer accidents and absences from work. Discover the benefits for your company here. 

Ergonomics in the workplace

With working days of up to eight hours or more, it is important to set up your workplace ergonomically. This means adjusting the desk and chair height to the optimum level, using an office chair with a backrest and lumbar support if possible, and positioning work equipment such as monitor, keyboard and mouse at the correct distance. Standing desks and footrests make ergonomic working easier, and active breaks relieve stress on the mind and body.

In addition to ergonomic factors, there are also other hazards and stresses that exist for small businesses in the service sector. You need to be aware of these so that you can take the right precautions. You will find several checklists in the German, French and Italian version of this page.

Fall and accident prevention

When it comes to accidents at work, many people immediately think of occupations with easily identifiable physical hazards, such as those in the construction industry, forestry or manual trades. However, trips and falls can also occur in many other occupations. To prevent falls, obstacles and hazardous zones must be avoided where possible or otherwise clearly marked.

In addition to trip and fall hazards, there are other accident risks that can also be mitigated with simple measures. Consult this page in German, French and Italian to find relevant checklists.

Leadership styles and time management

Good self-management allows you to work more efficiently, manage your team more calmly and effectively, and reduce stress. Working efficiently means achieving the best possible results with minimum time, effort and resources.

Good work organisation also helps prevent stress, exhaustion, overwork and burnout. Be realistic about the amount of work to be done in order to avoid overload. Give employees the opportunity to organise their work individually. This may (but does not have to) include working from home. Flexible working hours or involvement in the organisation of processes are also factors that strengthen individual responsibility, motivation and well-being.

With your leadership skills and open communication, you can avoid conflicts within the team and ensure smooth cooperation. Competent leadership and respectful communication empower your employees and ensure a productive, healthy and motivational working environment.

You will find several checklists in the German, French and Italian version of this page.

Building maintenance and office planning

When planning, ensure that there are suitable escape routes, sufficiently wide passageways and enough space to move around the workstations. Emergency exits must be clearly marked for use when needed.

Views of the outside must be provided, as well as a pleasant indoor climate and adequate ventilation. Planning should also take lighting into account, with suitable light fittings being installed and soundproofing provided. Meeting rooms offer privacy and a break room provides space to relax.

Even seemingly minor details such as guardrails, markings on step edges and glass doors, handrails for stairs and ergonomic door handles or slip-resistant surfaces prevent falls and other accidents at work.

If the floor has just been cleaned and is still wet, the area should be cordoned off or marked due to the risk of slipping. A dirt trap protects the entrance and reduces cleaning time. And functioning emergency lighting and panic locks at the exits are invaluable in an emergency.

A guide to relevant checklists is available in the German, French and Italian version of this page.

More information on Probabilistic safety assessment: Avoid occupational accidents and on occupational health and safety