New Occupational Safety Code: Focus on safety on Hesse's construction sites!

New Occupational Safety Code: Focus on safety on Hesse's construction sites!

In the digital age in which we live, fast internet is no longer just a luxury, but a necessity - even in Hesse. Broadband GmbH has big plans and would like to provide the Marburg-Biedenkopf district with an expanded and fast internet by 2028. But there are numerous challenges that need to be addressed on the construction sites responsible for this expansion. It is reported that many construction sites are poorly secured and the necessary safety clothing is often missing. These defects are not only annoying but also dangerous. Surgery Marburg emphasizes that the Giessen regional council has therefore issued a new occupational safety code for the area of ​​fiber optic and broadband expansion.

This Code, designed in response to recurring health and safety deficiencies, sets clear minimum standards for safe working conditions. This not only includes properly cordoning off the construction sites, but also providing protective clothing and sufficient break rooms and sanitary facilities. To ensure compliance, the Codex is designed in simple language and supplemented with clear images to increase practicality. daily news emphasizes that the digitalization of the infrastructure is crucial for Hesse's competitiveness.

Human resource: people in focus

As infrastructure expands, there are grim reports of wage fraud and illegal employment in the fiber optic industry. Many workers, especially from abroad, are often affected by exploitation. Three workers from Serbia and Bosnia describe that they did not receive the agreed wage of 12 euros per hour. One of them is even waiting for 3,000 euros that is still owed to him. Another example of the precarious situation is the Hungarian who was confronted with violence when he asked about his wages while working in North Rhine-Westphalia. The reporting draws attention to the fact that non-transparent sub-subcontractor structures make it difficult for workers to enforce their rights.

IG BAU therefore demands that companies take responsibility for proper working conditions. The competitive pressure in the civil engineering market leads to the establishment of various companies that have little to do with the construction industry and often do not comply with the necessary standards. The whole thing is being taken to the extreme by the federal government's planned initiative to provide half of all households with fiber optic connections by 2025. Frank Bsirske, a member of the Bundestag, calls on the telecommunications providers to carry out regular checks on all companies involved and to pay attention to wages. This is the only way to respond to the grievances in the system.

Collaboration and compliance with standards

In order to increase safety standards, the Hessian telecommunications companies and associations have agreed on the new occupational safety code. This should not only serve as a guide, but should also be taken into account when awarding the contract. There will also be opportunities to report grievances to the responsible occupational safety authorities. If occupational health and safety regulations are not adhered to, a construction site can even be temporarily shut down Surgery Marburg stated.

For the future of Hesse, it will be crucial that we work hand in hand both in implementing the fiber optic expansion and in ensuring proper working conditions. It is up to everyone involved – from the companies to the authorities to the employees – to make a good deal that meets all the requirements for safety and fairness.