The Safety Representative (Sicherheitsbeauftragter, SiBe) is an employee who supports the employer in improving occupational safety. Unlike the Sifa (safety specialist), this is a voluntary role without special training requirements.
Legal Basis
According to § 22 SGB VII, companies with more than 20 regular employees must appoint safety representatives. The exact number depends on company size, hazards and organizational structure. This is specified in DGUV Regulation 1.
Distinction from Sifa (Safety Specialist)
| SiBe | Sifa | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | § 22 SGB VII | § 5 ASiG |
| Required from | 20 employees | 1 employee |
| Qualification | No special training | Engineer/technician + expertise |
| Role | Voluntary, alongside main job | Full-time or externally commissioned |
| Liability | No personal liability | Advisory liability under ASiG |
Tasks
- Monitor workplace hazards and safety equipment
- Advise colleagues on safe behavior
- Report deficiencies to supervisors or Sifa
- Contribute practical experience to risk assessments
SiBe and Psychological Risk Assessment
Safety representatives can play an important role in psychological risk assessment by providing first-hand knowledge of actual working conditions and serving as trusted contacts for colleagues on stress-related topics. Together with the Sifa and tools like SafeMind, SiBe help ensure thorough and practical implementation of psychological risk assessments.