Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe >
Companies affiliated with the Construction Industry Accident Insurance Fund (Berufsgenossenschaft der Bauwirtschaft – BG Bau) can now apply for a grant to purchase temporary fall protection systems. This equipment is designed to ensure safety during work on rooftops, particularly during maintenance, cleaning, installation, or repair work, where the risk of falling is particularly high.
Numerous Falls in the Construction Industry
According to preliminary figures, more than 6,000 workplace accidents involving falls were reported to BG Bau between January and October 2025. Of the 26 fatal falls recorded, 14 occurred from rooftops.
Ulrich Marx, CEO of the German Roofers’ Association (ZVDH), also fears that “with the boom in photovoltaics, more and more non-professionals are climbing onto roofs without being fully aware of the dangers.”
Michael Kirsch, CEO of BG Bau, notes that “the number of falls through skylights or roof windows is on the rise” and that it is therefore necessary to “secure these hazardous areas, for example using temporary safety systems.”
Details of the Grant
With this new grant, BG Bau is expanding its existing support programs for fall prevention. Available through June 30, 2029, it covers:
- Fall protection systems for skylights (translucent panels, domes, and translucent strips);
- Temporary side protection systems for the perimeter of skylights;
- Safety nets for domes;
- Fall protection systems for the installation of formwork panels.
As part of a contribution-based funding program, BG BAU reimburses (upon request) 50% of the purchase costs, up to a maximum of €3,000.
Under a funding program independent of membership dues, companies may receive a grant of up to €10,000 (subject to certain conditions).
An initiative that is part of the “Safety on the Roof” project
BG BAU has partnered with the Central Association of German Roofers (ZVDH) to launch the “Safe on the Roof” (Sicher auf dem Dach) initiative. The aim of this program is to encourage companies and employees to work safely on roofs and to support employers in implementing workplace safety measures.
Overall, this initiative now includes an awareness campaign on social media featuring educational videos, the sharing of new safety materials and tools, as well as the aforementioned grant, designed to promote the acquisition of temporary fall protection systems.
Sources:
