Safety-officer calculator
How many safety officers does a company need? Since May 2026 they are mandatory only from 50 employees (between 20 and 49 only where there is a special hazard). How many you actually need depends mainly on spatial, temporal and functional proximity; the calculator gives you a guide.
Usually 1 for offices. Multiple sites/shifts each need their own contact person nearby.
Since May 2026 safety officers must be appointed from 50 employees (section 22 SGB VII, section 20 DGUV Regulation 1); between 20 and 49 only where there is a special hazard. There is no fixed formula for the number, what matters is spatial, temporal and functional proximity as well as the hazard; guideline values are in DGUV Regulation 1 Annex 2. Safety officers act in a voluntary capacity and must not be disadvantaged. Guidance, not legal advice.
When safety officers are required
The legal basis is Section 22 SGB VII. The provision was revised on 29 May 2026. Since then, in a classic office business:
under 20 employees: no obligation
20-49 employees: only where there is particular risk to life and health
from 50 employees: mandatory
In a pure office there is generally no particular risk between 20 and 49, so the duty applies only from 50. A voluntary appointment is possible at any size and often useful, because it clarifies the route for reporting shortcomings.
How many people are needed
There is no fixed formula. Under DGUV Regulation 1, Annex 2, headcount, hazards and above all physical and temporal proximity matter. The underlying idea: a safety officer should be approachable and notice what happens day to day.
- One site, one floor, 60 employees: one person is generally enough.
- Two sites with 55 employees each: at least one person per site. A shared responsibility across two addresses does not satisfy the purpose of proximity.
What the calculator does not do
- It does not assess particular risk. Whether it exists between 20 and 49 employees is decided by the risk assessment.
- It does not replace the specialist. Safety officers support on a voluntary basis; safety support under the ASiG is unaffected.
- It says nothing about the appointment, which is made in writing, after involving the works council, with duties and area of responsibility.
Everything about the role is in Safety officers in the office.
Frequently asked questions
What changed on 29 May 2026?
Is a safety officer personally liable?
Does a safety officer replace the occupational safety specialist?
Must the appointment be in writing?
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