Office work is the prevailing form of work in Germany. At present, approximately 17 million people in Germany have an office workplace, and the number is still rising. In this context, the "human factor" acquires crucial importance. No one aiming to create competitive office workplaces can afford to ignore occupational safety and health.

Some 18 million VDU workplaces are to be found in Germany. Over 45% of the workers at these workplace report back or neck pain, or similar complaints. Only when workplaces are designed ergonomically can it be ensured that workers will be able to work at them for many years without suffering complaints. One aspect of this is that the workplaces should be free of distracting reflections.

In contrast to the underlying ergonomic conditions in office workplaces, those in classrooms are often neglected, either out of ignorance or for cost reasons. Yet the classroom is the daily workplace of teachers and pupils. The high demands placed upon both pupils and teachers can be met more effectively in classrooms that are ergonomic, and therefore more conducive to health and learning.

Over 100 interested individuals responded on 31 March 2011 to the invitation by KAN, the DGUV and the EBD to attend a panel discussion in Berlin concerning current developments in standardization. Chaired by Gregor Doepke (DGUV), the panel comprising Mariana Bode (BMWi), Michael Koll (BMAS/KAN) and Dr. Albert Hövel (DIN) discussed topics including the EU's initiatives for amendments to the standardization system.

On 24 April 2011, the new EU Construction Products Regulation came into force. It takes effect immediately, but will not impose binding obligations upon manufacturers until 30 June 2013. From an occupational safety and health perspective, the regulation is a significant improvement over the former Construction Products Directive, since for the first time, it sets out requirements for the safety of construction products at European level. A legal loophole has thus been closed.

On 31 May 2010, Italy's Superior Institute for Job Accident Prevention and Safety (ISPESL) and Insurance Institute for the Maritime Sector (IPSEMA) became part of the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL). The purpose of this step was to focus resources and to link insurance and research more closely together.