Simpler, better adapted to the modern working environment, and easier for employers to implement, the new law on working environments (Arbeitsstätteverordnung, the Workplace Ordinance), due to come into force on March 01 2015 has certainly set itself ambitious goals. A significant difference is that going forward psychosocial risks will now be evaluated. Noise, lack of space, and poor lighting will now be considered as stress factors. The government is putting the final touches to the legislation, integrating comments from the Länder.
Growing need for legal clarity. The Workplace Ordinance, (Arbeitsstätteverordnung – ArbStättV) aims to safeguard health and safety for employees at their workplace and has been operating since 1975. In 2004 the legislation underwent a major overhaul, however according to Kersten Bux an expert at the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) much has changed since then and new reforms are required, “With new technology the workplace has changed enormously. For example at Micros
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