Berlin’s Deregulation Drive: Safety Officer Threshold Lifted as Cyber and Fire Rules Tighten

Germany’s employers’ liability insurance association, the DGUV, has sharply criticised a government decision to raise the threshold for mandatory workplace safety officers from 20 to 50 employees. The change, which took effect on 29 May, means businesses with between 21 and 49 workers only need to appoint a safety officer if a specific risk assessment identifies particular hazards.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs defends the move as a step toward cutting red tape in occupational safety. It insists that the mandatory risk assessment – a requirement that remains unchanged – will continue to guarantee protection for workers. “The level of safety is preserved,” a ministry spokesperson said.

Yet the DGUV’s latest barometer, published on 26 May, warns that safety standards must not be relaxed, especially in times of crisis. Left-party politicians have also voiced opposition, arguing that the reform undermines prevention efforts in small and medium-sized enterprises.

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New Fire Classification Targets Lithium Batteries

Separately, a long-awaited technical advance arrived in mid-May: the new fire class L, defined under ISO 3941:2026. This creates a dedicated category for fires involving lithium-ion batteries. Firefighters and industrial safety experts have long called for such a classification, given the rapid proliferation of battery storage in factories, warehouses, and logistics centres. The standard enables more precise extinguishing strategies.

The timing coincides with the Interschutz trade fair in Hannover, running from 1 to 6 June, where manufacturers are showcasing upgraded turntable ladders with smart controls and new pump systems designed for flood response.

Cyber Security Becomes a Boardroom Duty

At the “State of Security” conference in Berlin on 3 June, cybersecurity experts warned that artificial intelligence is fuelling a surge in ransomware and phishing attacks. Since the start of 2026, the European Union’s NIS-2 directive has been binding for regulated sectors. It applies to any company with at least 50 employees or annual revenue exceeding €10 million.

The directive makes cyber security a management responsibility. Executives who neglect risk analysis, incident reporting, or response processes now face personal liability. “Cyber resilience is no longer an IT issue – it is a corporate governance duty,” the conference keynote speaker said.

Heat Protection and Mental Health: Gaps Remain

A study published in early June found that German workplaces still have considerable room for improvement when it comes to adapting to hotter summers. While most firms meet basic legal requirements, sector reports from May show significant shortfalls in measures for mental health support and in comprehensive risk assessments that go beyond physical hazards.

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In response, the Berufsgenossenschaft Handel und Warenlogistik – the trade and logistics accident insurance fund – has stepped up its free advisory offerings for small companies. Services range from drafting operational instructions to organising occupational health care. The goal, according to the fund, is to maintain a stable safety level even where mandatory safety officers are no longer required.

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