History The German Model

The history of occupational safety in Europe dates back to the turn of the century with safety laws enacted in some countries, such as Germany. The Accident Insurance Act (UVV) of July 6, 1884 was the first of its kind in the world and led to fundamental change. Previously, compensation for an industrial accident or an occupational disease had to be sought directly from the company itself—often 

As an example of standards history and progression, the German ITE safety standard DIN VDE 0805 became EN 60950 (lEC 950), machine safety standard DIN VDE 0113-1 became EN 60204-1 (lEC 204-1), machine EMC standard DIN VDE 0875 became EN 55011 (CISPR 11), and appliance EMC standard DIN VDE 0875-1 became EN 55014 (CISPR 14). Except for EMC immunity, the majority of European product safety, machinery, and EMC standards are traceable back to their German standards origin. Thousands of German standards (DIN, VDI, VDE, VBG, ZH, etc.) form the basis for the newer harmonized standards (EN, lEC, etc.). 

Some people believe that the reason for the popularity of German safety approvals such as the GS Mark, is that approvals were mandatory in Germany. After all, over 100,000 different products bear the GS Mark (GS = Safety Tested). Approvals and marks have, however, never been mandatory by German law for the vast majority of products and machines. Their popularity is driven by expectations in the marketplace from the product users, consumer groups, insurers, and employers. These high expectations continue today in Germany and some other countries. (See chapters on Notified Bodies and Certification [Chapter 4] and the Quality and Safety Mindset [Chapter 5].) 

Directives issued before 1985 are considered Old Approach directives except when amended after this date, as is the case for the Low-Voltage Directive (LVD) 73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC adding the CE marking. The LVD is valid under the New Approach. 

1884 Accident Insurance Act enacted in Germany for Insurance and Trade Cooperative Associations (BGs). 

---