The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has its headquarters in Dortmund and it has branches in Berlin and Dresden as well as a field office in Chemnitz.

The Divisions of the BAuA are as follows:

Division 1: Policy issues and Programmes

The Division "Policy issues and Programmes" is concerned with the requirements arising from the change in the world of work. For this purpose it continuously presents reports on the world of work and collaborates on a national and European level with relevant institutions. On this basis it supports the GDA (Joint German Occupational Safety and Health Strategy) and the INQA (New Quality of Work Initiative) and develops recommendations for action by policymakers.

Division 2: Products and Work Systems

This Division concentrates on the safe, healthy and humane design of technical working conditions. Interest focuses here on product safety, technical/organisational work structures, work processes and the working environment.

Division 3: Work and Health

In Division 3 the BAuA conducts research into the interplay between work and health and compiles sound knowledge for policymakers, operational practice, the general public and science. The focus here is both on the risks at the workplace and on individual-related and work-related resources. The overriding aim is to avoid work-related illnesses and to safeguard work ability.

Division 4: Hazardous Substances and Biological Agents

Division 4 combines the specialist tasks in the field of chemical and biological agents. It evaluates risks toxicologically and medically and develops strategies and measures to ensure the safe handling of hazardous substances and biological agents.

Division 5: Federal Office for Chemicals / Authorisation of Biocides

This Division encompasses the sovereign functions of the BAuA under the German Chemicals Act, and in particular the authorisation procedure for all biocidal products marketed in Germany and the implementation of the REACH Regulation for all industrial chemicals.

Division 6: Transfer Management

The BAuA makes available an extensive stock of information on safety and health at work. Research results and practical solutions are prepared for various target groups and are available on the internet or as printed material. The Information Centre offers knowledge and information on all fields of occupational safety and health.

DASA

With the DASA Working World Exhibition the BAuA operates an internationally renowned exhibition facility. The aim is to use the modern means of exhibition presentation to enhance the visitors' awareness of health and safety and to convey to a broad public the notions of a humane world of work.

Central Division

The Central Division encompasses human resources management, budgeting and procurement, and as other central tasks information technology and facility management.