Defect Rate Holds Steady on German Building Sites as Customs Gain Unannounced Audit Powers

Nearly one in ten technical installations on German construction sites still shows significant defects, even as regulators push for tighter digital documentation and expanded customs inspection rights. According to a July assessment from Jörg Becker, chair of the relevant expert exchange, dangerous defects were found in 0.8 percent of the inspections carried out by the authorised monitoring bodies (ZÜS). Around 10.8 percent of the inspected systems had considerable faults, while roughly two-thirds showed only minor issues.

The continuing defect problem overlaps with a major regulatory change that took effect at the start of 2026. Since January, German customs officials have been authorised to demand digital access to all safety documentation on construction sites without advance notice. The inspection power extends across the entire subcontractor chain. Any missing training records or risk assessments can now trigger not only fines but also entries in the competition register — a black mark that can disqualify a company from public procurement processes.

With customs inspectors now able to demand digital access to safety documentation on site, a missing or incomplete risk assessment can have serious consequences — fines, entries in the competition register, and lost contracts. Many employers underestimate how easily these gaps can go unnoticed until an audit reveals them. A free Risk Assessment Toolkit provides 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists so you can document hazards thoroughly and stay compliant with safety regulations. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit

A technical rule published in early July under the code TRBS 1115?1 adds another dimension: cybersecurity. Although no personal injuries from digital attacks on technical equipment have been reported so far, experts are pushing for proactive inclusion of this risk in all hazard assessments. The rule is intended to close a gap that site managers may not yet have considered.

General Contractor Liability Tightens

The same July publication made clear that general contractors bear the ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance across all trades. Digitising the verification processes is no longer seen as a mere efficiency tool but as a legal necessity. The pressure is most acute for large projects that involve multiple layers of subcontractors.

Firms seeking to get their safety management in order can turn to updated training offerings. The Krause Academy revised its programme in July 2026 to match the new requirements. Options range from one?day compact seminars on mobile working equipment to specialist courses for fixed industrial ladders. A particular focus is personal fall protection equipment (PSAgA), for which the academy offers two?day basic seminars covering climbing and rescue techniques as well as regular refresher courses. The goal is to qualify participants as “competent persons” who can independently carry out statutory inspections.

Small Shops Go Digital

Smaller operations are also embracing digital tools to cope. A joinery workshop in Pfedelbach started using a web?based system in July to generate its risk assessments. Where the paperwork used to take several hours, it now often takes just a few minutes. The advantage, the firm says, is that workplace safety becomes a continuous process integrated into daily workshop and site routines. The cloud?based solutions run directly on mobile devices with no complicated installation.

Despite these efforts, the ZÜS statistics serve as a reminder that technical compliance remains a weak spot. The defect rate, while not alarming, leaves room for improvement. With customs now able to show up unannounced and request access to documents that span the entire project history, the margin for error has shrunk considerably.

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