1. What is an Arbeitsunfall (work accident)?

Arbeitsunfall literally means “work accident”.

It refers to any physical accident or injury that occurs while performing your work or directly because of your work (at the workplace or on a work-related route) and leads to a bodily injury or sudden health impairment.

2. Examples of work accidents

• Falling or tripping while working.

• Injury caused by a machine or tool in a factory or workshop.

• A traffic accident during business-related travel
  (not normally on the way from home to work and back – unless it is the direct route, then it is a Wegeunfall).

• Injury during an official assignment or a job-related training course.

Wegeunfall:
An accident that occurs on the direct route between home and the workplace is also treated as a work accident.

3. What should you do if a work accident happens?

Immediate notification:

• Inform your supervisor or employer immediately.

Accident reporting:

• The company must report the accident to the competent statutory accident insurance body
  (the Berufsgenossenschaft – part of the gesetzliche Unfallversicherung).

Visit a special accident doctor (Durchgangsarzt):

• In serious cases you must be examined by a designated accident doctor (Durchgangsarzt),
  who specialises in work-related injuries.

Provide a detailed report:

• The insurance body may request a medical report and/or a detailed description of the accident.

4. Insurance and compensation

All employees in Germany are compulsorily insured against work accidents through the statutory accident insurance (gesetzliche Unfallversicherung).

The insurance covers, for example:

• Costs of medical treatment, surgery and physiotherapy.

• Medical and occupational rehabilitation.

• Injury benefit (Verletztengeld) if you are temporarily unable to work.

• Long-term financial compensation in cases of partial or total permanent disability.

Protection also applies to:

• Work accidents during official business appointments,

• Job-related courses and trainings,

• The direct route to and from work (Wegeunfall).

5. What is not considered a work accident?

• Accidents that occur during a break if you are outside the workplace premises.

• Accidents on the way to or from work if you change your route for private reasons
  (e.g. stopping at a shop, running private errands).

• Injuries caused by irresponsible personal behaviour or deliberate violation of safety rules.

6. Important tips

• Always report the accident immediately and ask for written documentation.

• Keep a copy of the accident report and any medical documents.

• If you face problems with compensation or if the insurance refuses to recognise the accident,
  seek advice from a trade union or a lawyer specialised in insurance/social law.

Conclusion

An Arbeitsunfall is any accident that happens during or because of your work, and this also includes accidents on the direct way to and from work (Wegeunfall).
The statutory accident insurance covers all necessary medical costs and compensation, and it is crucial to report the accident immediately to secure your rights.