TÜV Report: 35.9% of German Electrical Systems Fail Safety Checks – a Record High
Published on 07/01/2026 at 18:59 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
When fewer than 2% of electrical installations in a workplace fail inspection, the interval between checks is considered safe. In 2025, the actual defect rate in German building technology hit 35.9% — more than 17 times that benchmark — according to the TÜV Association’s newly published Construction Law Report 2026. The figure marks the highest level since records began, climbing from 26.1% in 2020 and 26.9% in 2024.
The jump has put employer obligations under scrutiny. German companies must set inspection intervals based on an individual risk assessment – a requirement rooted in the Betriebssicherheitsverordnung (Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health), specifically paragraphs 3 and 14, and the associated Technische Regeln für Betriebssicherheit (TRBS 1111 and TRBS 1201). The employer is responsible not only for the checks themselves but also for documenting results and selecting qualified personnel.
If you are responsible for workplace safety, a thorough risk assessment is the foundation of compliance. The free Risk Assessment Toolkit provides 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists covering everything from electrical hazards to manual handling, helping you document risks systematically and meet your legal duties. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
In practice, standard intervals have emerged. Office workplaces are generally inspected every 24 months, production facilities every 12 months, and construction sites much more frequently due to higher wear. The 2% rule acts as the adjustment mechanism: if the failure rate stays below 2%, the interval is considered adequate – and may even be extended under low-strain conditions. If it rises, intervals must be shortened immediately.
The 2025 data suggests that many workplaces are failing that test. The TĂśV report does not break down the 35.9% by sector, but the sharp increase from previous years signals widespread problems.
A hazard assessment – Gefährdungsbeurteilung – has been mandatory for all employers since 1996, regardless of company size. Since 2013, it must also cover psychological stress. Companies with ten or more employees face a strict documentation duty under paragraph 6 of the Arbeitsschutzgesetz (Occupational Health and Safety Act). The process follows seven steps, from defining work areas through identifying hazards to verifying effectiveness. Missing the assessment can lead to fines and liability risks in the event of an accident.
Beyond electrical safety, fall protection is another area where rules are tightening. The technical rule TRBS 2121 sets requirements for working at height, mandating a hazard assessment and regular instruction under paragraph 12 of the Arbeitsschutzgesetz. Collective safeguards such as guardrails take priority over personal protective equipment. Ladders and mobile scaffolding must be inspected by competent persons.
An increasing number of companies are turning to digital tools to manage compliance. Web applications using QR codes now track inspection histories seamlessly and send automatic reminders when the next check is due – a practical response to the mounting complexity of workplace safety regulation.
Disclaimer regarding our articles: No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Information on prices, companies, and markets is provided without guarantee; changes are possible at any time. Stock market transactions can lead to substantial losses. Our articles are created and reviewed in whole or in part automatically with the support of AI.
