As a central body serving the Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention (the BG’s) in Germany, the Institute Work and Health has the following tasks

- Qualification
- Research and Development
- Consultancy for the BG’s

in order to promote Safety and Health at work.

A strong feature of the qualification measures is their practical relevance. Practical facilities and laboratories have been set up for specific subjects in which seminar participants can simulate work situations or processes in order to analyse, evaluate and optimise them.

| Bild: | The areas of research relate to the following fields of competence:
- personnel selection and personnel development,
- hazard identification and assessment,
- traffic safety,
- prevention and rehabilitation, and the
- effectiveness and efficiency of prevention measures.

The Institute Work and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) can call upon practical experience in the organisation of international conferences (European Asbestos Conference, 2003, 2nd International WORKINGONSAFETY.NET, 2004). The Training & Innovation event, held annually since 2001, at which innovative methods for OSH education and training are demonstrated, was held on a European scale for the first time in 2004.

It builds a bridge between theory and practice: at conferences, congresses and international seminars, new scientific insights can be discussed with professionals working in the field. A key focus in this activity lies upon partnership events with Central and Eastern European Countries. Dresden’s central location in the heart of Europe is of great importance.

With regard to the mainstreaming of occupational safety and health into education and training, the BGAG possesses extensive expertise obtained through its delegation to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.

The Institute Work and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) is responsible for project management and coordination, has responsibility for editorial content in the set up phase of the ENETOSH portal, and organises the advisory board.