Key topics in the field of technical occupational safety are machine safety/safety technology, electrical safety, operational safety and the configuration of workplaces, also taking into consideration construction law.

New technologies offer opportunities for innovation. This also includes information and communication technologies in the work environment (ambient intelligence - AmI).

Occupational safety must evaluate both the opportunities and potential as well as the risks of new information and communication technologies for the design of safe and healthy products, workplaces and work activities and derive the necessary framework conditions for their application. Opportunities and risks for safety and health associated with the use of ambient systems in the fields of safety engineering, lighting and building climate control are aspects to be investigated.

In addition to the tasks in the areas of research and development, questions concerning the topics of safety of machinery/safety engineering, operational safety and workplace design are handled with statements, concepts and analyses as well as by participation in committees, in particular for technical regulation and standardisation. In addition, the development of prevention concepts and transfer strategies for the construction industry, paying particular consideration to SMEs, is also supported.

The business administration for the Committee on Workplaces (ASTA) and the Committee on Work Equipment (ABS) is conducted according to statutory regulations. The administrative work is accompanied by specialised support of the committees, in particular with the development of new technical regulations including the Technical Rules for Workplaces (ASR) and the Technical Rules for Operational Safety (TRBS).

The Unit offers practical and target-group-oriented guidelines and consulting as well as events concerning the safe and healthy design of workplaces, particularly in connection with climate, ventilation, lighting, floors and staircases and of machines, electricity, plant and operational safety as well as personal protective equipment.