Working Life > Workplace > Accident at Work

Accidents at Work

Definition, Explanation

Right after occupational diseases, work accidents are the second most frequent insured events in statutionary accident insurance. The term work accident (Arbeitsunfall) is defined in § 8 Abs. 1 SGB VII: By that definition, accidents occurring directly at the workplace count as well as accidents during other activities with an occupational purpose, also accidents on the way to work, the so-called commuting-accidents. Insurance protection is given also on business travels, in company sports activities, on work parties and on works outing, when working at a distant workplace and when transporting or repairing devices and tools related to the occupation. Participating in competitions is not insured, even if they are part of the company's sports activities. The question if the accident was the employee's fault or someone else's is irrelevant for the insurance's paying the damage. In case, though, that the accident has been mainly caused by alcohol, it is not counted as an accident.

Insurers of accidents are the trade- and agricultural associations and the statutionary accident insurances of the federation and the federal states. Towards these, one has the obligation to report an accident that has led to an inability to work for more than 3 calendar days, or even to death. The standard doctor's treatment fee of 10 Euros is not to be paid in case of treatment after a work accident, also no extra pay for medicine.

Employers are generally obliged to ensure safety and health protection of their employees. This is part of employee protection law. Regulations concerning on-going salary payment are the same for work accidents as are for illness.

Tips, Checklist

• Mind accident hazards like tripping hazards, slippery floors, loose cables, missing lanyard rails, unfixed ladders, health-impairing substances or faulty devices and tools as well as hazard factors like monotonic work or procedures or working hours, lacks of qualification, or faulty behaviour like alcohol abuse or other negligence.
• Remove potential factors of accidents
• Wear protective clothing
• Draw people's attention to hazards
• Report a work accident within 3 calendar days to your accident insurance

Last update: 07/28/2010