The division generates evidence-based knowledge across the three levels of prevention: primary, secondary and tertiary. The overarching aim is to contribute towards the promotion, maintenance and restoration of employees' health. Research activities range from health-promoting work design, through occupational health prevention and early intervention within companies, to workplace integration management and return-to-work.

Division 3 focuses on the following key areas:

• Aspects of human-centred design of work systems, in particular:
  • Mental and psychosocial strain in the workplace
  • People-oriented tasks in the context of digital transformation
  • Breaks and recovery
• Aspects of physical and mental health, in particular:
  • Physical strain and stress in relation to musculoskeletal disorders
  • Determinants of mental health, work capacity and performance, and participation in working life
  • Cardiometabolic health and cognitive performance
• Occupational health prevention
• Working with health limitations and reintegration

In the context of demographic change, division 3 is placing particular emphasis on the retention of employees with health limitations in the workforce ('stay-at-work') within the current work and research programme period. The objective is to further contribute to restoring and maintaining employees' work ability, as well as to their long-term participation in the labour market.

A significant component of the division's work is the transfer of its scientific findings into policy and workplace practice, with the aim of enhancing the quality of work in Germany.

The division provides science-based advice to political institutions, with a particular focus on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. It participates in various committees, particularly in sub-statutory bodies responsible for standardisation and regulation.

In addition, the division hosts the Scientific Office of the Medical Expert Advisory Board on Occupational Diseases (Ärztlicher Sachverständigenbeirat, "Berufskrankheiten, ÄSVB), which supports the ÄSVB scientifically and organisationally. Furthermore, the division manages the Occupational Medicine Committee (Ausschuss für Arbeitsmedizin, AfAMed). 

The transfer of scientific findings into company practice is also significant. In this context, scientific findings are disseminated not only through events and practical publications, but suggestions or challenges arising from occupational safety and health practice are in turn translated into new research questions and projects.