Accident at work · Germany

Direct answer

Report it to the employer the same day, in writing, and see a doctor stating it was a work accident — that label opens the accident-insurance route, which pays treatment, wages and, for lasting injury, a pension, without proving anyone's fault. Berufsgenossenschaft (gesetzliche Unfallversicherung) (0800 6050404) is the accident insurer or fund for Germany; the employer must notify them, and you can too. Mindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKS (030 60 28 00 28) investigates serious accidents and unsafe conditions; Gewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz) (dgb.de) makes sure the claim is filed right and represents you if the employer disputes it.

Call firstBerufsgenossenschaft (gesetzliche Unfallversicherung)

Report toMindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKS

If that failsGewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz)

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] at [time] I had an accident at [place] while [task]: [what happened, injuries]. Witnesses: [names]. I ask you to record it as a work accident and notify the accident insurer today, and to send me a copy of the report."

🪜 Step by step

Doctor, same daySay it happened at work. The medical record with that sentence is the basis of everything.
Report to the employer in writingEven for "small" injuries — the ones that get worse are the ones nobody reported.
Check the notification: Berufsgenossenschaft (gesetzliche Unfallversicherung)The employer must notify within days; if they do not, notify the insurer yourself with the medical report.
Witnesses and photosThe scene, the equipment, the missing guard. Before it is "fixed".
Serious or unsafe: Mindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKSThe inspectorate investigates serious accidents and can order changes; your report protects colleagues.

📇 All contacts

Berufsgenossenschaft (gesetzliche Unfallversicherung)Work and commuting accidents: treatment, benefit, pensionAfter any work accident, even without the employer's report📞 0800 6050404 🔗 www.dguv.de

Mindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKSReport minimum-wage breaches, inspectionsWhen paid below minimum wage or not at all📞 030 60 28 00 28 🔗 www.zoll.de/DE/Privatpersonen/Arbeit/Mindestlohn/mindestlohn_node.html

Gewerkschaft (DGB Rechtsschutz)Advice, representation at the labour courtFor members; joining is usually possible right away🔗 www.dgb.de/gewerkschaften

Deine KrankenkasseDoctor search, appointment service 116117, cost coverageFor finding a doctor and coverage questions📞 116117 🔗 www.116117.de

❓ Frequently asked

The employer says not to report it

That is illegal and it costs you cover. Report it yourself to Berufsgenossenschaft (gesetzliche Unfallversicherung); the employer's refusal is itself reportable to Mindestlohn-Hotline (BMAS) / Zoll FKS.

What if it was my own mistake?

Accident insurance is no-fault: you are covered regardless. Only deliberate self-harm or gross drunkenness is excluded.

Accident on the way to work?

Commuting accidents are covered in most EU countries on the direct route. Report it the same way.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🩹 I had an accident at work — who do I report it to, and what am I owed?