Perceived health risks from paid work in Germany in 2014/2015 and 2024

TL;DR

This study examines how people in Germany perceive health risks from paid work in 2014/2015 and 2024, finding that about a quarter of workers report high or very high risks.

Contribution

The study provides updated insights into perceived health risks from work in Germany, comparing data from two time periods.

Findings

Approximately 25% of the working population reported high or very high health risks from paid work in both 2014/2015 and 2024.

Women reported higher prevalence of perceived health risks in 2024 compared to 2014/2015.

Men with a low level of qualification had the highest prevalence of perceived health risks.

Abstract

Paid work can have a significant impact on employees’ health. This article describes the perceived health risks associated with paid work in Germany.

Data from full-time and part-time employed persons aged 18 to 64 from the GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS study (6,782 women; 6,170 men) and the 2024 ‘Health in Germany’ panel (10,634 women; 8,907 men) were analysed. The perceived health risk posed by paid work was measured using a four-point Likert scale and evaluated on an age-standardised basis by gender and level of qualification.

Approximately one quarter of the working population reported a high or very high health risk from their paid work in both survey periods. Among women, the prevalence in 2024 was higher than around ten years earlier. The highest prevalence was found among men with a low level of qualification.

Working conditions remain key entry points for prevention and health promotion – also with regard to health equity.

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