Registration with the Professional Association – Work Accident Insurance.docx

What is the Berufsgenossenschaft (BG)? It is the statutory accident insurance for companies, part of DGUV. It covers:

• Employee accidents at work

• Commuting accidents (to/from work)

• Occupational diseases

• Sometimes the entrepreneur (voluntary insurance)

Is registration mandatory?

• With employees → within 1 week, compulsory

• Hazardous/manual trades → usually compulsory, even without staff

• Solo office work (IT, consulting) → often not required, but check with BG

Which BG applies?

• Construction → BG BAU

• Trade/services → BGHW

• Healthcare/social → BGW

• Industry → BGETEM or VBG

• Restaurants/cafés → BGN

Tool: BG Finder

Registration steps:

1. Fill form (business data, activity, staff number, owner)

2. Send to BG (post/online)

3. Reply in 2–4 weeks with membership number, fee notice, info

Costs (approx. per year):

• No staff → sometimes 0 €

• 1 employee → 50–200 €

• Hazardous jobs → much higher

If not registered:

• Fine up to €2,500+

• Must pay treatment costs yourself

• Employees considered uninsured

Entrepreneur coverage: Normally not included. Voluntary insurance possible, recommended for risky trades.