Actions (S1-4)

The following section describes occupational health and safety measures in 2025 that have been selected on the basis of their scope, their effectiveness in preventing accidents and their degree of innovation. All in all, they make a significant contribution to the continuous improvement of occupational health and safety within DB Group.

• In 2025, an updated two-stage learning concept for occupational health and safety training, supplemented with new content, was made available throughout the Group. The training content was updated on the basis of a systematic evaluation of accidents with a view to reducing the risk of accidents in a targeted manner. The preventive action combines e-learning with personal instruction on site and is supported by flexible work aids. The first stage enables employees to complete learning content at any time and location. The second stage is individually adapted to the respective operational circumstances and to the results of site-/company-specific risk assessments. The aim is to increase willingness to learn, raise awareness of health and safety issues and lower the risk of accidents in a sustainable manner. The concept also creates space for personal support and the clarification of individual questions without interfering with operational processes. The effectiveness of the content taught is reviewed by means of an assessment of learning progress.
• The guideline on functional training for self-protection was finalized in 2025. It came into force as scheduled on January 1, 2026 and applies to all DB InfraGO AG employees who work under self-protection. It is intended to ensure uniform and high-quality training for employees working under self-protection. The training is designed as a multi-day format with several teaching units and concludes with an examination. It covers topics such as occupational safety, safe behavior in the track area, planning of safety measures, coordinating closures and assessing risks. In addition, regular further training is planned to ensure the long-term qualification of the participants. The guideline was introduced on the basis of findings from the systematic evaluation of accidents. It is aimed at helping to significantly reduce risks when working in the track area, increasing safety in activities involving self-protection, ensuring compliance with the relevant regulations and thus improving the safety of employees. Effectiveness is tracked and evaluated via the documentation of the examination results and checks of the authorization to operate.
• The rollout of the “Automatic Personal Emergency Alarm” (Willensunabhängiger Personennotruf; WUPN) work instruction at DB InfraGO AG was completed in August 2025. WUPN is a personal emergency alarm that triggers automatically if there is no movement. The mandatory use of a WUPN-capable company radio for dangerous activities when working alone is intended to secure the rescue chain and hence reduce the risk of fatal accidents. The introduction includes binding specifications for activities requiring the use of WUPN (e.g. switch cleaning, inspections), the provision of appropriate radio equipment and mandatory instruction prior to first use. Effectiveness is checked using the supervision tool (Chefaufsichtstool; CA tool) and through regular functional tests. The CA tool is used for the digital recording, documentation and monitoring of management and entrepreneurial duties, including occupational health and safety. Use is mandatory for all executives. In connection with WUPN, executives document on an annual basis that the relevant activities of their employees were only carried out using WUPN when working alone.
• In 2025, work began on procuring new personal protective equipment for all DB Cargo AG operational employees that is geared towards their respective activities and the expectations in terms of climate change, for example higher UV protection, heat exchange in view of rising temperatures and protection against cold. The aim is to improve the health and safety of employees. Implementation is being carried out in stages and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
• In 2025, an instructional video was produced for train drivers to raise awareness of accidents caused by trips, slips and falls at DB RegioNetz Verkehrs GmbH. The aim of these measures is to reduce the number of slips, trips and falls, as these are a major cause of accidents within DB Group. The measure was implemented to sensitize employees to the dangers of everyday work and to raise awareness of preventive measures. Effectiveness is tracked and evaluated by means of monitoring.

Action plans 2026

In 2026, the existing occupational health and safety management system is to be enhanced and the scope of application expanded in order to ensure more comprehensive coverage of employees and to guarantee legal certainty. At the same time, the digital occupational health and safety training is to be updated and expanded in terms of content in order to address relevant risks in a target-group-oriented manner and promote preventive conduct. In addition, further preventive and corrective measures to avoid accidents involving slips, trips and falls will be identified, evaluated and implemented.