Visiting scientists
Quote from the Office for Occupational Safety and Health, letter dated 28.10.2010:
In universities and research institutions, it always happens that one sends or hosts guest scientists to learn a method or to conduct an experiment with the resources there, etc. The external working environment is often unfamiliar to the visiting scientist and he or she is not aware of all the hazards there. Conversely, employees of the host may also be endangered by the work of the visiting scientist. Language problems are another potential hazard in international exchanges.
According to § 8 of the German Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG), the sending or receiving universities and research institutions must jointly ensure occupational health and safety for all parties involved during stays of visiting scientists as part of their employer obligations:
- General regular instruction (sending institution)
- Job-related instruction and instruction (receiving institution)
- Provision of personal protective equipment (host institution)
- Ensuring occupational health care (sending institution)
- Adaptation of the risk assessment (jointly: sending and receiving institution).
- Workplace inspection by occupational safety specialist (FaSi) and company physician (host institution)
- Reporting of accidents or incidents (receiving institution).
- Mutual notification of special hazards (joint: sending and receiving institution).
- Designation of the contact person or the coordinator on site (receiving institution).
- Review of the implementation of the defined occupational health and safety measures (jointly: sending and receiving institution).
For the above mentioned persons it is mandatory to conclude an internship contract for visiting scientists BEFORE starting the activities and to deposit a copy of it with the department head (Attn. Dr. Thomas Behrens). This contract enables insurance through our accident insurance provider UK-Nord.