FASi: Duties & Costs
What does a Health and Safety Specialist (FASi) do — and what does it cost?
Under German law, the Health and Safety Specialist (FASi/Sifa) advises the employer on workplace safety and is mandatory from the 1st employee (ASiG § 5). Costs range from €800–4,000 per year depending on support model and risk class.
FASi support models compared
| Model | Suitable for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Standard support (external) | All company sizes | Fixed annual hours per DGUV Regulation 2 |
| Alternative needs-based support | ≤ 50 employees | Basic support plus occasion-based visits |
| Employer model | ≤ 50 employees | Employer completes training and takes on part of the tasks personally |
| In-house specialist | Larger companies | Company's own trained FASi on staff |
Duties of the Health and Safety Specialist
The FASi supports the employer on all workplace safety matters — from risk assessments and regular site inspections to accident investigations. The legal basis is § 5 ASiG, made concrete by DGUV Regulation 2, which prescribes fixed annual hours of engagement depending on industry and risk class.
- Advising the employer on all occupational safety topics
- Regular workplace inspections to identify hazards
- Contributing to risk assessments
- Investigating workplace accidents and deriving prevention measures
- Training and instruction on safe working practices
Which support model fits which company size
Companies with up to 50 employees can choose between standard support (fixed hours) and alternative needs-based support — the latter combines basic support (initial training, initial consultation) with occasion-based visits, for example when new machinery is introduced or after an accident. Alternatively, under the employer model, the business owner can take on part of the FASi's duties personally after completing certified training — though this does not fully replace external expert support.
Larger companies with corresponding hazard potential require standard support with fixed hours staggered by risk class — beyond a certain size, an in-house, permanently employed specialist often pays off.
Key takeaways
- Under German law, appointing a FASi is mandatory from the 1st employee (ASiG § 5)
- Costs: €800–4,000/year depending on company size and risk class
- Companies with ≤ 50 employees can use the employer model or needs-based support
- The FASi and the occupational physician complement each other rather than replace one another
- Hours of engagement depend on DGUV Regulation 2 and the risk class
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a FASi and an occupational physician?+
The FASi handles technical and organizational workplace safety (machinery, work processes, hazard sources), while the occupational physician handles occupational health matters (medical checkups, health fitness for work). Both are legally required and work closely together, especially within the Occupational Safety Committee (ASA) once a company reaches 20 employees.
Can a micro-business skip having a FASi?+
No, the requirement applies from the very first employee under German law. However, the employer model or alternative needs-based support can significantly reduce the effort for small companies.
How many hours of engagement must our FASi provide?+
This depends on DGUV Regulation 2 and the risk class assigned by the trade association (Berufsgenossenschaft) — office-based businesses need far fewer hours than manufacturing companies. The responsible trade association specifies the exact figures.
Keep FASi engagements and deadlines on track
EasyBGM documents inspections, training, and hours of engagement seamlessly in one place.
Sources
- § 5 ASiG — Appointment of Health and Safety Specialists ↗
- DGUV Regulation 2 — Occupational Physicians and Health and Safety Specialists ↗
Last updated: 2026-07-06. Not legal or tax advice — have your specific case reviewed by a professional.