Survey of company doctors and safety specialists on the effects of climate change on safety and health at work

Status:

completed 10/2024

Aims:

The German Social Accident Insurance (DSV) and its members, the industrial employers' liability insurance associations and public accident insurance providers, are committed to maintaining safety and health at work and in educational institutions, even under the impacts of climate change. Based on their prevention mandate (§ 14 ff. SGB VII) and taking into account the national climate protection goals (§ 13 Abs. 1 Satz 1 KSG), they are therefore reviewing the content of their prevention services for any need for further development.

This study focused on the following questions: Where do companies stand on the issue of climate change? What risks and hazards are perceived? What measures are being taken?

Activities/Methods:

A field study was conducted in the form of a cross-sectional study. An online survey with closed and open questions was used. The target group of the survey was company physicians and occupational safety specialists. 211 occupational safety specialists and 187 occupational health specialists participated in the study. This resulted in a sample size of 418 individuals.

Results:

Heat and psychological stress reactions have been identified as the main risks of climate change for employees in Germany. Many specialists have already included these topics in their advisory services. The majority of companies also see a need for action and have implemented or planned measures to reduce climate-related risks to the safety and health of their employees. Large companies are significantly more active in this regard than small ones. Companies consider the two topics of climate adaptation and climate protection together. The company physicians and occupational safety specialists surveyed see an increased need for advisory services for companies. There is a need for greater awareness-raising and further development of prevention programs. Small and micro-enterprises could particularly benefit from this.

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