German Insurer Pushes AI Risk Assessments as Regulation Tightens – But Human Oversight Stays

A wave of artificial intelligence tools is sweeping through Germany’s occupational safety landscape, driven by both technological promise and a tightening legal framework. Yet experts warn that rushed automation could backfire, with nearly half of companies expected to scale back autonomous AI agents by 2027.

The push gained fresh momentum when the employers’ liability insurance association BG ETEM (Energy Textile Electronics Media) announced earlier this month that it is rolling out an AI?powered service portal for hazard assessments. The organisation, which covers sectors such as energy and textiles, says the system can detect workplace risks faster and cut administrative burdens linked to mandatory safety briefings. It is also developing further digital assistants for risk evaluation. However, BG ETEM stressed that human expertise remains irreplaceable, because AI outputs can be flawed.

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The shift comes as the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act forces companies to systematically inventory their applications and establish clear governance roles. Experts from the DSEV, a German data?protection and security association, noted today that businesses need a risk?based approach and defined responsibilities to make the regulation operational. Alongside the legal pressure, market researchers Gartner warned on Monday that by 2027 roughly 40% of companies will have decommissioned or downgraded their autonomous AI agents, once governance gaps become apparent during live operation.

Some firms are already addressing that risk. Comma Soft, together with the University of Bonn, is developing so?called trust agents designed to ensure ethical and controllable management of autonomous systems in regulated industries.

Meanwhile, the automation of compliance processes is advancing rapidly. The DICIS AG reported yesterday that its AI assistant can steer certifications to ISO 9001, 14001, and 27001 entirely online, slashing documentation time and costs by more than 80%. The solution is already used by over 400 customers worldwide. In technical inspection, the innovation network NUFESTRA is working on an AI?powered quality assurance system for welding, aiming for a zero?defect strategy through process data capture. Another provider demonstrated an automated ultrasonic testing solution that works without contact media and can be flexibly deployed by cobots.

The legal landscape is also shifting beyond AI regulation. At the end of May, a revision of Section 22 of the German Social Code Book VII (SGB VII) came into force, updating rules for safety officers. The DGUV Barometer Arbeitswelt 2026, a workplace barometer released simultaneously, highlights the risks of neglecting occupational safety amid high workloads. A Forsa survey adds another pressure point: 59% of caregivers who are also employed suffer from significant double burdens.

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Even the judiciary is turning to AI. Since June 1, Thuringia has provided a dedicated AI suite for legal research on the Juris database, aiming to boost administrative efficiency.

Smaller businesses and niche logistics operators are also benefiting. The software firm Reonic announced yesterday that it has enabled AI functions for photovoltaic installation companies, including a WhatsApp assistant for project recording. In the logistics sector, Nordfrost employs an AI?based solution from UMT AG to automatically read and verify catch certificates under the EU?CATCH procedure, sharply reducing administrative work in fishery imports.

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