Most German Workers Don’t Expect to Last Until Retirement, Survey Finds as Safety Scandals Mount
Published on 07/06/2026 at 16:17 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
A new survey from the DGB-Index Gute Arbeit reveals that 40 percent of German employees doubt they will be able to work until reaching retirement age. The figure spikes sharply in healthcare, where 71 percent of nursing staff express that view, and in construction, where 66 percent feel the same. The union is calling for healthier working conditions rather than a higher retirement age as the solution.
The findings land as a high-profile criminal trial opens in Kassel against three former executives of a northern Hessian meat-processing company. Prosecutors charge a 57-year-old former managing director, his 55-year-old deputy, and a 58-year-old production manager with negligent homicide in eleven deaths and negligent bodily harm plus fraud after 37 other people were infected with listeria. The contamination, authorities allege, resulted from massive hygiene failures. The court has received 160 binders of evidence, and a verdict is expected on August 12, 2026.
The case highlights the importance of systematic risk management. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) updated its hazard assessment guidelines in May 2026, mandating that employers identify biological and physical dangers. The economic cost of neglecting such duties is already known: in 2018 alone, work incapacity led to roughly 85 billion euros in lost production.
Systematic risk management doesn't just reduce accident risk — it saves businesses significant costs from lost productivity. A free Risk Assessment Toolkit with 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists helps you document hazards thoroughly and stay compliant with evolving safety guidelines. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
On the research front, new tools offer possible defences. A team in Vienna has developed a rapid test that identifies pathogens, allergens, and mycotoxins in 30 minutes. Separately, scientists writing in Nature described the CRISPR tool Cas12a2, which can specifically kill virus-infected or mutated cells.
But experts also warn of emerging dangers. A biosafety specialist recently noted that artificial intelligence is lowering the barriers to building biological weapons – while still requiring expertise, synthetic DNA is becoming more accessible. The lack of a central oversight authority in Germany has drawn criticism. Internationally, Vietnam proposed a regulation in early July that would require disinfectant producers to appoint a chemical safety officer.
Political debate is also intensifying around sick-leave rules. The ruling coalition plans to require a doctor's note from the first day of illness and to abolish telephone sick notes. Labour lawyers argue that such a move could actually increase workplace infections and raise overall absenteeism, warning of unintended consequences for public health.
Disclaimer regarding our articles: No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Information on prices, companies, and markets is provided without guarantee; changes are possible at any time. Stock market transactions can lead to substantial losses. Our articles are created and reviewed in whole or in part automatically with the support of AI.
