German Hazardous Substance Protection Award 2026 announced
The German Hazardous Substance Protection Award (GSP) recognizes solutions, innovations and practical assistance that protect employees from these risks. The prize, endowed with 10,000 euros, is being awarded for the 16th time by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS).
Under the motto "Safe. Better. Work", the aim is to find exemplary practical solutions and initiatives that fit into the hierarchy of measures of the "Stop" principle. Specifically, the measures: Substitution, for example replacing a hazardous substance with another substance or a technical process that results in a lower overall hazard; Technical protective measures, for example working in a closed system or extracting hazardous substances; Organizational protective measures, for example initiatives in the area of training and instruction or establishing maintenance schedules. Personal protective measures as the last step in the hierarchy of measures are not seen as the best solution.
Conditions of participation for the German Hazardous Substance Protection Award
Individuals, groups of people, organizations and companies can take part. The award is primarily aimed at the recycling and circular economy, construction industry, chemical industry, timber industry, metal industry as well as transport and logistics. Applications can be submitted up to and including March 31, 2026. The documents should include a presentation of the idea as well as a description of the participant, the type of measures implemented and the improvement achieved or expected. An application form is available at www.baua.de/Gefahrstoffschutzpreis (under Downloads). The award ceremony will take place in fall 2026. The German Hazardous Substance Protection Prize is awarded every two years by the BMAS. It is organized by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), which conducts the business of the Committee for Hazardous Substances (AGS). The Hazardous Substance Protection Award has been honoring exemplary and pioneering activities for protection against hazardous substances for 30 years.