New Machinery Regulation Looms as Digital Tools Aim to Cut 75% of German Warehouse Accidents
Published on 07/04/2026 at 14:18 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Documenting risk assessments is becoming increasingly critical under the new machinery regulation. But many employers underestimate the gap in their safety documentation. A free Risk Assessment Toolkit offers 41 ready?to?use templates and checklists to help you legally document hazards and meet compliance requirements. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
Mechanical dangers are by far the biggest cause of accidents in German workplaces, responsible for about 75% of incidents. Critical factors include moving parts and risks during transport operations. Safety experts recommend clearly separating traffic routes and reducing kinetic energy wherever possible.
Digital Training and Certification Options Multiply
On 4 July, the service provider Easywize launched a specialised instruction programme for pedestrian-controlled industrial trucks. The session lasts roughly 30 minutes, is available in multiple languages, and costs €28 plus VAT.
Meanwhile, Wosatec has added a digital inspection licence to its portfolio. The system captures recurring checks under FEM 4.004 and DGUV regulation 68 in a legally secure manner, covering manual and electric equipment as well as automated guided vehicles. Identification works via QR code, and inspection reports remain accessible as offline PDFs.
The GRUMA Academy offers additional qualifications at nine locations, plus in-house and online options. New dates for forklift, crane and mobile-elevating-work-platform courses begin on 7 July.
Physical Strain: The Overlooked Risk
Manual handling of loads remains an underestimated danger. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) recommends the “pulling and pushing” key-indicator method for assessment. Once a score reaches 50 points, the strain is considered substantially increased. At that threshold, special protective rules apply under the Maternity Protection Act for pregnant women and under the Youth Employment Protection Act for minors.
Beyond machinery, manual handling of loads is an often?overlooked risk that comes with strict legal duties under health and safety law. Many companies face penalties because their safety documents are incomplete. A free Health & Safety Toolkit provides immediately usable risk assessments, checklists and toolbox talks to help you stay compliant with the latest regulations. Get the free Health & Safety Toolkit
The legal foundation for the stricter training requirements is laid by the German Occupational Safety and Health Act (§12 ArbSchG), the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV), and DGUV Regulation 68. These oblige employers to give precise, role-specific instruction – a duty that the new digital solutions are designed to help fulfil before the 2027 deadline takes full effect.
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