Occupational Safety and Health Protection
Core concepts
Austrian OSH rests on the ArbeitnehmerInnenschutzgesetz (ASchG) and the Bauarbeiterschutzverordnung (BauV). Know the Sicherheits- und Gesundheitsschutzdokumente duty, the role of the Sicherheitsvertrauensperson (SVP) and Arbeitsmediziner, and Unterweisung obligations (initial and annual). Understand PSA hierarchy (collective before personal protection), Absturzschutz rules (from 3 m), electrical work under ÖVE/ÖNORM EN 50110, and LOTO (Lockout-Tagout). Know first-aid and reporting duties for Arbeitsunfälle to AUVA and the labour inspectorate.
Traps
Exams test whether a measure is collective or personal, and whether 3 m or other thresholds trigger fall protection. Another trap: confusing Unterweisung (instruction) with Ausbildung (training). Also watch that SVP has a consultation role, not a stop-work authority in all cases.
Worked example
A worker must service a live panel. Rule of thumb: live work is only permissible when de-energising is technically impossible or disproportionate, and only with documented risk assessment, suitable tools, and a second person. Otherwise apply five safety rules: disconnect, secure against reconnection, verify dead, earth and short, cover adjacent live parts.
Documentation
Every risk assessment must be recorded and reviewed at defined intervals.