Accident prevention is a key issue for companies and is also subject to strict legal requirements. In this article, we take a closer look, what a UVV test (DGUV) is, what types there are and who is allowed to check at all.
Let's start with the fundamental question: What exactly is a UVV test? The abbreviation UVV stands for Accident prevention regulations. They are also available as DGUV known, which for German Social Accident Insurance stands for. It is a set of regulations designed to ensure the health and safety of employees in the workplace. Regular UVV inspections minimize the risk of accidents and other hazards.
Accident prevention has a long history in Germany. As early as 1884, mandatory accident prevention regulations were issued by the employers' liability insurance associations under the Accident Insurance Act. Compliance with the regulations was ensured by so-called Technical supervisors and Authorized representative. The basic idea of preventing accidents originated in the military, as it was recognized early on that the resulting injuries endangered the operational readiness of soldiers just as much as combat operations.
At European level, the EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC ensures a minimum standard in the area of occupational health and safety. For employees who are insured in Germany and posted abroad, the UVV also applies there. This is only not the case if the country in question has more stringent safety regulations. Due to increasing globalization, accident prevention regulations are becoming more and more similar. Companies with various locations worldwide are leading the way.
In the past, a UVV inspection had to be carried out annually. This rigid regulation for employers has now been abandoned. A so-called risk assessment must now be carried out in advance to determine the deadlines. An extension of the deadline must therefore be justified and proven accordingly. In practice, however, employers continue to carry out the UVV inspection once a year. This has become established in order to prevent the threat of compensation or problems with insurance companies.
The UVV test in the company is prescribed for various areas. In this section, we look at two of the most common, the UVV test for cars and the UVV test for machinery and construction machinery.
DGUV Regulation 70 defines the UVV inspection for passenger cars of a company. Only vehicles that can drive less than 8 kilometers per hour are exempt from this regulation.
Daily UVV inspection for cars
A daily check must be carried out before a company vehicle is used or handed over. To make this easier, a corresponding checklist (UVV inspection for cars) can be made available to employees. This should include the following contents, among others.
Initial instruction for drivers
Employers must provide employees with what is known as initial training when they are handed over for the first time. This covers topics such as the necessary regular checks, what to do in an emergency, first aid measures, securing the scene of an accident or the dangers of distractions in road traffic.
Annual instruction for drivers
Those responsible for the vehicle fleet must instruct drivers once a year on possible hazards when using company cars. This instruction can also be given digitally. It is only important that all affected employees are instructed.
UVV inspection of cars by an expert
In addition, cars used for commercial purposes must be inspected by an expert once a year. This ensures the operational safety of the vehicles and protects employees from accidents. The written documentation from the inspector is then kept in the vehicle as proof.
The UVV inspection of machines & construction machinery makes a decisive contribution to safety in the workplace. These are usually quite large, complex and powerful, which is why permanently smooth operation is particularly important. Failure or malfunction can not only have serious health consequences for employees, but can also cause high financial losses.
The UVV test (DGUV) for machinery & construction machinery is carried out in four steps:
The first step is to ensure that all necessary documents and information are available. This includes operating instructions, maintenance logs and previous test reports.
The second step is the actual inspection of the machines or construction machinery with regard to their safety and functionality. This includes a visual inspection for damage or wear. Safety-relevant systems and components are also subjected to a functional test.
After the inspection, the inspector documents all results and findings. This includes all the points checked on the checklist, the identification of the defects found and the assessment of these. The detailed documentation is the basis for the detailed action plan.
In this plan, specific steps are defined as to how the deficiencies identified in the UVV inspection of machinery and construction machinery can be rectified and how the safety of the machinery and construction machinery can be optimized. The action plan defines the persons responsible and deadlines for implementation.
But who is allowed to check at all? The UVV inspection must be carried out by an expert or a qualified person. These are specialists who have in-depth knowledge of testing work equipment due to their professional experience or training. A corresponding certificate can be obtained through training courses that impart theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Accident prevention is essential to protect the health of employees and ensure smooth processes. Employers must be aware of the regular UVV inspections (DGUV) in their company. Failure to comply with the UVV can result in severe fines and jeopardize insurance cover.
