Number of occupational medicine training qualifications at a record high, with an ongoing upward trend in occupational medicine training The field of occupational medicine in Germany is experiencing a continuous increase, with record numbers in specialist qualifications and high demand for courses. Therefore, there is a good prospect that the predicted shortage of qualified physicians can be averted, thanks to the effective lateral entry pathways and the attractiveness of the specialty. However, there remains a need for reforms and innovative adjustments in healthcare provision.
How do occupational physicians address the topic of menopause? A cross-sectional survey of occupational physicians in Germany Background: Approximately nine million women in Germany are in the menopausal age range, with the majority participating in the workforce. Menopausal symptoms can substantially impair work ability and contribute to reduced working hours, job changes, or early retirement, resulting in considerable economic costs. Occupational physicians play a central role in advising affected employees, yet their structural working conditions vary widely. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and practice patterns of occupational physicians regarding menopause at work and to compare external occupational health services with in‑company physicians. Methods: A web‑based anonymous cross‑sectional survey was conducted among occupational physicians in Germany (N = 314). Measures included self‑rated general and work‑related menopause knowledge, practice behaviors, information needs, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: General and work‑related knowledge were strongly correlated. Higher knowledge levels were consistently associated with proactive engagement, both in workplace settings and in individual consultations. In‑company physicians reported significantly higher general knowledge compared to external occupational health services, while the latter expressed a greater need for additional information. More than 90 % of the female employees in both groups were willing to have the topic of menopause discussed during a consultation with the company physician. Conclusions: The integration of menopause into occupational health practice is less limited by a lack of acceptance and more by structural and knowledge-related barriers. The findings highlight the need for occupational health guidelines, targeted educational materials, and tailored training programs – particularly for external occupational health services, which face unique structural constraints. Systematically incorporating this issue into workplace health strategies can play a significant role in sustainably supporting and maintaining the ability of affected women to work. Keywords: menopause – occupational health –performance – workplace support
Occupational Health Quality as an Investment – Criteria for Effective Care This article sets out to develop a general understanding of the quality of occupational health care. Quality is understood here as the extent to which the structures, processes and outcomes of occupational health care fulfil the statutory and societal duty of care, medical-scientific and medicalethical standards, the rights and health needs of employees, and the workplace’s requirements for safe, healthy and sustainable work. These levels of requirement cannot be arbitrarily weighed against one another: independence, confidentiality, professional standards and legal rights set binding limits. The proposed framework is intended to structure professional discourse, facilitate workplace self-evaluation and pave the way for subsequent operationalisation. It supports a shift in perspective away from occupational medicine as a formal obligation or cost item towards a strategic investment in health, employability, organisational capacity for action and social stability.
The silent pandemic of chronic kidney disease Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most significant, yet persistently underestimated, diseases worldwide. Projections indicate that CKD will be among the leading causes of death by 2040. Despite its high prevalence, CKD often goes undiagnosed. Occupational medicine offers largely untapped potential to close this diagnostic gap. Integrating CKD screening into occupational medicine represents a promising approach to improving early detection.
Recruiting young occupational physicians The need for occupational medicine expertise is increasing, while many medical students have little exposure to the specialty. Recruitment succeeds when occupational medicine becomes visible early, offers practical experience, mentoring and reliable training pathways. This article outlines an integrated model linking undergraduate education, specialist training and regional networks.
Cancer Prevention and Early Detection in the Workplace – Opportunities for Occupational Medicine and Companies The workplace remains a largely underestimated setting for cancer prevention. Companies engage with individuals on a continuous basis and are thereby often more effectively than conventional prevention services within the healthcare system. Occupational health professionals are uniquely positioned to raise awareness of cancer risks at an early stage, embed preventive measures into everyday working life, and encourage participation in early detection and screening programmes. Initiatives such as ONCOnnect demonstrate how companies, occupational health services, and oncology centres can collaborate successfully to advance these goals.
DGUV expert discussion on “Exposure Assessment and Evaluation for Exposure to Benzene (Occupational Disease No. 1318)” Hosted by Katrin Pitzke (IFA) and Dr. Dirk Pallapies (IPA), the DGUV expert discussion on “Exposure Assessment and Evaluation for Exposure to Benzene (Occupational Disease No. 1318)” took place on February 2 and 3, 2026, in Berlin, with the participation of occupational physician experts, representatives of prevention departments and the administrative departments of the German social accident insurance institution, as well as the IPA and IFA. The objective was to exchange experiences and discuss challenges, as well as explore possible solutions regarding the assessment and evaluation of causality for Occupational Disease No. 1318.
The occupational health care report under § 5 DGUV Regulation 2 – annoying obligation or valuable instrument Based on the revised DGUV Regulation 2 and its accompanying guideline, this article presents the legal framework and offers practical recommendations for designing the occupational health care report. The report not only creates transparency regarding occupational health activities but can also be strategically employed to sustainably advance prevention and health development within the company.
AI Assistance for Sensitive Social Data – The SoKI System Artificial intelligence is being used more and more frequently in social professions as well. Its potential is particularly great in the areas of documentation, reporting, and knowledge management. The SoKI system, developed by Theodor Schöwitz and colleagues of the collective Sozial KI, demonstrates how AI applications can be used in compliance with data protection regulations when working with social data, and what opportunities this presents for occupational and social medicine.
Economic effects of effectiveness-oriented occupational medical care The world of work is constantly evolving; modern occupational medicine dynamically supports and shapes this transformation. Preventing health impairment caused by work-related hazards and strains remains a central pillar of occupational medical practice. At the same time, the scope of occupational medicine extends far beyond this: existing hazards must be systematically addressed, new risks identified at an early stage, and viable solutions developed for future challenges.
Continuing Education for Occupational Physicians on Psychosocial Issues The growing significance of psychosocial stress, as well as psychological strain and mental health conditions, presents challenges for occupational physicians. In addition to practical continuing education and the mandatory continuing education course in occupational medicine, there are specific continuing education opportunities available by programs as primary psychosomatic care, the advanced training program in psychotherapy („Zusatztitel“), and the “Intensive Seminar on Psychiatric Issues in Occupational Medicine,” which is currently being developed.
Information, motivation, and implementation support for physiotherapy practices regarding alternative, needs-based occupational health and safety services Practice owners and managers are key players in ensuring safe and healthy working conditions. The project “Healthy and Safe in Physiotherapy Practices” tested a concept for the step-by-step implementation of alternative occupational health and safety support. The focus was on strengthening prevention competence among practice owners and managers in general and improving the implementation of risk assessments in particular. A total of 36 physiotherapy practices participated and completed four training modules based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. The content was aligned with the BGW version of DGUV Regulation 2 and adapted to the specific needs of the sector. An in-house developed online tool was available for risk assessment. Additional support included occupational health consultations and digital networking opportunities. Evaluation was carried out through online surveys, feedback discussions, and usage data. Participants reported high satisfaction and continuously improved their knowledge as well as the implementation of risk assessments. The concept provides valuable impulses for occupational safety in small physiotherapy practices and serves as a model for other sectors.
Workplace violence and burnout among emergency medical service workers and nurses in Germany: a cross-sectional study Introduction: This study is the first comparative study to examine the link between workplace violence and the risk of burnout among nurses and emergency medical service personnel. According to the research team at the Technical University of Berlin, their findings underscore the need for increased measures to combat workplace violence, prevent burnout, and support employees in coping with these challenges. Methods: In 2015, two surveys were conducted: a written survey of nursing staff and an online survey of emergency medical service personnel. The surveys assessed experiences with workplace complaints, violence, and burnout risk, which were measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The data were then analyzed descriptively (frequencies, means, percentages, Pearson correlation coefficients). Associations between workplace violence and burnout were estimated using binary logistic regression, taking into account gender, employment status, professional experience, education, and working conditions. Results: Data from 3,169 nurses (84.7 % female) and 1,024 emergency medical service (EMS) personnel (13.6 % female) were analyzed. Frequent verbal abuse – ranging from daily incidents to multiple incidents per month – was reported by 44.7 % of nurses and 59.9 % of EMS personnel, while 12.2 % and 23.5 %, respectively, experienced physical violence from patients or their relatives. Overall, a large proportion of employees in both occupational groups exhibited a moderate to high risk of burnout in the dimensions of “Emotional Exhaustion/EE” (nurses: 58.1 %, EMS personnel: 56.3 %) and “Depersonalization/DP” (nurses: 58.4 %, EMS personnel: 74.4 %). Logistic regression revealed that physical violence among nursing staff was significantly associated with a high risk of burnout in the dimensions of EE and DP, and among paramedics, it was strongly associated with EE. Verbal abuse by patients correlated significantly with EE and DP among nursing staff and with DP among paramedics. Furthermore, in both occupational groups, there was a direct correlation between an increased risk of burnout in both dimensions of the MBI, working conditions, and professional experience. Conclusions: In the opinion of the research group, this study underlines the importance of internal guidelines and organizational measures for the appropriate prevention and management of workplace violence, work-related stress and burnout. Keywords: burnout – violence – abuse – nurses – paramedics – satisfaction
Workplaces for pregnant/breastfeeding physicians in anesthesiology, pain therapy, intensive care and palliative medicine – Update 2026 (Part 2) Under the Maternity Protection Act, employers are obligated to take all necessary measures to protect the health of pregnant/breastfeeding women and their children. To assist pregnant women and employers/supervisors in creating the best possible and safest working conditions during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the German Association of Anesthesiologists (BDA) has developed a “positive list” that specifies the possible employment opportunities for pregnant/breastfeeding women. Such recommendations from the BDA provide guidance for those involved, but in no way replace the individual risk assessment and the subsequent review, if necessary, by the responsible supervisory authority. Provided the BDA’s guidelines were followed, the responsible supervisory authorities generally had no objections to the continued employment of the pregnant anesthesiologist.
Effect of a 12-month employer-promoted after-work sports program on cardiopulmonary fitness and cardiovascular risk factors – pilot cohort study Background: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. As many adults do not achieve the recommended levels of physical activity it is important to promote sports programs. We assessed the effect of an employer-initiated after-work sports program on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity (PA) and cardiovascular risk factors in unathletic adults. Methods: We studied 38 hospital employees participating in this workplace health promoted program and 17 non-participating controls. Cardiorespiratory fitness was determined by maximal aerobic capacity. PA by sports and all other activities (non-sports) were collected by questionnaire and converted into metabolic equivalents (METs), all at baseline and after 12 months participation in the program or after 12 months follow-up in controls. Cardiovascular risk factors were measured and the Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease-score was estimated at the same time. Results: After 12 months, participants demonstrated significant higher increases of maximal aerobic capacity (2.9 ± 3.4 vs. 0.9 ± 2.2 ml/kg/min; p = 0.02), sports (11.8 ± 9.4 vs. 1.5 ± 2,5 METs x h/week; p < 0.001) and non-sports METs (16.3 ± 32.3 vs. 6.0 ± 11.5 METs x h/week; p = 0.003) compared to controls. Participants showed significantly more pronounced reductions of body mass index (p = 0.01), waist-hip-ratio (p = 0.04), nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.03), and of their estimated tenyear risk of cardiovascular events (p = 0.008) compared to controls. Conclusion: This sports program may be effective to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors, promote PA, and decrease cardiovascular disease in unathletic adults. This could be especially relevant to reduce the physical inactivity persisting after the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: cardiovascular disease – physical activity – primary prevention – sport – workplace health promotion
Acute chest pain in the workplace: What if the ECG is normal? – High-sensitivity troponin as a game changer in occupational medicine Acute chest pain in the workplace often presents a significant challenge for occupational physicians. This article presents the case of a 58-yearold employee whose life-threatening heart attack was masked by atypical symptoms and a normal ECG. The case underscores the importance of not relying solely on automated ECG interpretation. Through a structured medical history, careful manual ECG analysis, and the targeted use of the gamechanger, high-sensitivity troponin, a rapid and life-saving diagnosis can be achieved directly in the workplace. Practical and evidence-based steps for the reliable assessment of one of the most frequent and potentially dangerous presenting symptoms in occupational medicine are outlined.
Nutrition at the workplace (Part 1): Drinking at the workplace – How much is enough? The question of the right amount of fluid intake has long since become a lifestyle issue, detached from evidence-based discussion. Not only the undoubtedly well-intentioned advice of many family members and friends, but also daily advertising suggests that drinking “a lot” is healthy and can prevent many health problems. This article discusses and summarizes the physiological background of drinking water as opposed to salt intake, the aspects of different beverages, and the data on the effects of different drinking strategies.
Post-travel eosinophilia – What to do? An eosinophilia work-up may pose a diagnostic challenge in clinical practice. Differential diagnoses include allergic, infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic causes; helminth infections – often related to travel – should also be considered. This article provides guidance for the evaluation of travel-associated eosinophilia, aiming at early diagnosis and prevention of long-term complications.
Violence against women is increasing – federal situation report 2024 with worrying figures The second federal situation report, “Gender-Specific Crimes Against Women", was published at the end of November 2025. Together with the federal situation report “Domestic Violence,” it shows that violence against women is increasing, particularly in the domestic sphere in Germany. In addition, there is a high number of unreported cases. The most important results of the implementation of the “Violence Protection Strategy” to better protect women from violence, which was adopted by the previous federal government and taken over by the current one, are so far the entry into force of the Violence Assistance Act (GewHG) at the beginning of 2025 and the establishment of state-specific specialist and coordination offices for the implementation of the Istanbul Convention.
70 Years of the MAK Commission: Paving the way for healthy workplaces (Part 6): Air analyses The working group on Air analyses of the German MAK Commission develops and validates measuring procedures for hazardous substances in workplace air. These measurement procedures are fulfilling the requirements of European standards and German technical rules for hazardous substances. Quarterly, the measurement procedures are published in the open access MAK Collection.
