Use German occupational safety software in Austria
What is HSE software?
Occupational safety software is a management system that can be used to map the company's entire occupational safety organization. The basic functions are used for legally compliant documentation in order to provide proof of compliance to the inspecting authorities. In addition, the software supports the organization, implementation and tracking of the tasks themselves as well as the management of the personnel and material resources involved.
The advantage of the digital implementation of occupational health and safety lies in the possibility of efficient collaboration between safety experts, company doctors and internal managers. Data is also available without restriction. By automating processes, the company can noticeably save time. Last but not least, of course, environmentally friendly and paperless working is possible.
The difference between German and Austrian occupational health and safety law
In Germany and Austria, the implementation of occupational health and safety is legally binding for companies. The basic approach of occupational health and safety law is similar, as both countries focus on protecting the health and safety of employees in the workplace.
Both systems are based on the obligation of employers to ensure safe working conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on the prevention of accidents at work, occupational illnesses and work-related health risks. This preventative approach requires a systematic risk assessment, the identification of potential risks and the implementation of protective measures to minimize the risk to employees. One major difference, however, is that in Austria mandatory workplace evaluations and specific prevention concepts are prescribed for certain industries, while in Germany the focus is increasingly on documentation and compliance with general standards.
The European occupational health and safety directives specify how the laws must be implemented at federal level. In Germany, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG), which is based on the Basic Law, forms the fundamental obligation. How this should be implemented is defined in other laws (e.g. MuSchG, ArbZG), ordinances (e.g. ArbStättV, ArbMedVV) and the rules of the employers' liability insurance associations (DGUV). Similar to the German Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Employee Protection Act (ASchG) is the central set of regulations in Austria. This is supplemented by federal ordinances (e.g. AStV, VGÜ, VSG). The promotion of cooperation between employers and employees and the involvement of experts (e.g. safety specialists or company doctors) in the occupational health and safety process are also firmly established in both countries.
In Germany, inspections are carried out by the trade supervisory offices and the accident insurance institutions. In Austria, on the other hand, it is carried out by the labor inspectorate.
Conformity of German occupational safety software with Austrian directives
Due to the common EU Directive 89/391/EEC and the same approach in German and Austrian law, it is basically possible to use the software across national borders without any restrictions. Austrian companies in particular can benefit from using German occupational health and safety software. Due to the high German standards and the comprehensive functions, standard software can already be used without major adaptations. Normally, all the necessary functions are available to map the entire occupational health and safety organization. In particular, the documentation obligation can be complied with in accordance with the law using audit-proof software. Due to the linguistic and cultural proximity of the two countries, there is also no need to change the language.
Selection criteria for the right occupational health and safety software for Austrian professionals
For the long-term use of a system, there are a few things to consider when selecting software. Starting with the price-performance ratio. Many providers use a modular structure for the software application. Modules have to be put together and therefore drive up the price. It is therefore important to ensure that all the required functions are included in the price.
The system should also be particularly flexible and scalable in order to be able to map the company's individual requirements. The software should therefore be usable regardless of industry and company size. This is made possible above all by the free configurability of structures, roles/rights and the design of text fields.
The company structure and locations or clients of the specialist should also be able to be mapped individually as required.
A user-friendly design and usability on all end devices is essential nowadays.
For use in Austria, however, it is crucial that the software also covers the specific provisions of the ASchG and the associated ordinances. It must be checked in advance whether the German software contains the functions required to implement the Austrian regulations. The range of functions usually includes risk assessment, risk management, accident and incident management, instruction management, testing and maintenance of work equipment, occupational medicine and health management, hazardous substance management and functions for workplace design.
In addition to the software, attention should be paid to the available service. Are implementation, consulting, support or assistance included, or can hidden costs arise here?
Our recommendation
luitGUARD from €79.50 per month.
The industry-neutral software can be used to flexibly map all company structures and locations/clients. The system is both audit-proof and ISO 45001-compliant.
USE German occupational safety software in Austria
Conclusion
Integrated HSE software is an efficient management system for occupational health and safety that saves time, optimizes processes and enables paperless work through automation and digitalization. Despite differences in the focus of German and Austrian occupational health and safety legislation, German solutions can also be used in Austria without any problems thanks to EU directives. German occupational health and safety software offers Austrian companies comprehensive and legally compliant support, particularly thanks to its high standards and comprehensive functions.
FAQ
Questions and answers
01 What advantages does German occupational safety software offer Austrian companies?
German occupational safety software offers the following advantages:
- High standardswhich often exceed the legal requirements in Austria.
- Comprehensive functionswhich enable the efficient organization and implementation of occupational health and safety.
- Audit-proof Documentation for legally compliant verification.
- Time savings and process automation.
- Sustainability through paperless work processes.
02 Are there significant differences between German and Austrian occupational health and safety law?
Both countries pursue similar preventive approaches to employee health and safety. Only the priorities differ:
- In Austria mandatory workplace evaluations and industry-specific prevention concepts are prescribed.
- In Germany the focus is more on general documentation and standardization.
03 Can German occupational health and safety software be easily adapted to Austrian regulations?
In most cases, no extensive customization is required. German software can often be used directly due to its flexibility and high standards. Nevertheless, it should be checked whether the software meets all the requirements of the ASchG and specific regulations.
04 Which functions should be included in occupational health and safety software in order to be compliant in Austria?
The software should cover the following functions:
- Risk assessments and risk management
- Accident and incident management
- Instruction management
- Inspection and maintenance of work equipment
- Occupational medicine and health management
- Hazardous substance management
- Workplace design in accordance with ASchG
05 Is German occupational safety software legally approved in Austria?
Yes, German software is legally approved in Austria, provided it meets the requirements of the ASchG and the associated ordinances. However, it is important to carefully check the functions and conformity.
06 What language options does the German occupational safety software offer for Austrian users?
As German is the official language in both countries, no language adaptations are necessary. Many software solutions also offer multilingualism, which can be helpful for internationally active companies.
07 What costs are associated with the use of German occupational health and safety software in Austria?
The costs vary depending on the provider and range of functions. Make sure that the price-performance ratio is transparent and that all required modules are included in the price to avoid hidden costs.
08 Can German occupational safety software be integrated into existing IT systems of Austrian companies?
Yes, most modern software solutions offer interfaces for integration into existing systems. Clarify this with the provider in advance.
09 How secure is the data processing of German occupational safety software with regard to GDPR requirements?
German software providers attach great importance to data protection. Make sure that the provider guarantees GDPR-compliant data processing, especially when storing sensitive employee data.
10. how long does it take to implement German occupational safety software in an Austrian company?
The duration varies depending on the size and complexity of the company. Many providers offer fast implementations that can be accelerated by standardized processes.
11 What are the long-term benefits of using German occupational health and safety software for companies in Austria?
- Legal certainty: Compliance with all legal requirements.
- Efficiency: Optimization of processes and time savings.
- Sustainability: Paperless working.
- Flexibility: Adaptability to new regulations or company requirements.
