VDSI

What VDSI does

VDSI – Verband für Sicherheit, Gesundheit und Umweltschutz bei der Arbeit e.V. is Germany's largest professional association for occupational safety, health, and environmental protection at work, founded in 1951 and headquartered in Berlin following a 2024 relocation from Wiesbaden. The association serves approximately 5,600 individual professional members — including safety engineers, technicians, managers, doctors, psychologists, chemists, and environmental officers — through a federated structure of 25+ regional chapters (Regionen) and 33+ specialized subject departments (Fachbereiche) covering topics from construction, hazardous materials, and fire protection to ergonomics, mental health, renewable energy, and digitalization (HSE digital).

Its core products and services comprise the VDSInet interactive member networking platform (web and iOS/Android app powered by Intrakommuna technology), the VDSI-Weiterbildungsnachweis continuing-education certification system awarding VDSI points, the bimonthly VDSI aktuell magazine, the arbeitsschutzfilm.de video portal hosting 700+ prevention films across 60 categories (with ~14,000 registered users), the GQA-Gütesiegel quality certification issued by its wholly-owned subsidiary GQA – Gesellschaft für Qualität im Arbeitsschutz mbH, and a podcast series. Revenue is generated through annual membership dues (first increase in six years effective January 2025), continuing-education events run by regions and Fachbereiche, partner referral commissions from HDI (insurance, 20% member discount) and DFK (legal services at €228/year), and GQA quality-seal certification services. Distribution operates through regional chapters, specialized departments, trade fairs (A+A, Arbeitsschutz Aktuell), digital channels (website, LinkedIn, Instagram), and the FASI umbrella of German occupational safety associations.

Name

VDSI

Legal name

VDSI – Verband für Sicherheit, Gesundheit und Umweltschutz bei der Arbeit e.V.

Website

https://vdsi.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

VDSI is Germany's largest professional association for occupational safety, health, and environmental protection at work, serving approximately 5,600 professional members across 25+ regional chapters and 33+ specialized departments via networking, continuing education, and certification services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

EHS Management Systems & ISO Consulting (ISO 14001/45001) (BPAHAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Environmental, Health & Safety / Sustainability (EHS, Environmental Compliance CE) (EDAAALAO), Safety, Compliance & Regulatory (OSHA/HSE/GxP) Certifications (EDAAANAJ)

Keywords

• Occupational safety association
• Workplace health protection
• Environmental protection at work
• Continuing education certification
• Professional member networking

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: VDSI generates primary revenue through annual membership fees. Members pay dues that entitle them to networking, certified continuing education, expert knowledge resources, publications, career services, and special discounts.
2. Continuing Education Events: Revenue generated through professional development events, seminars, and conferences organized by regions and specialized subject areas. Members receive VDSI points that can be documented through the VDSI-Weiterbildungsnachweis system.
3. Partner Commissions and Insurance Services: VDSI offers members special discounts on professional liability insurance (Berufshaftpflichtversicherung) through HDI with 20% discount, and reduced rates on DFK legal services membership. These partnerships generate referral commissions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

VDSI operates as a membership-based professional association delivering occupational safety, health, and environmental protection services to approximately 5,600 specialist members across Germany. Its core offerings center on annual membership subscriptions that grant access to a networking platform, certified continuing education with VDSI points, expert publications, regional events, career services, and discounted partner benefits. The association complements memberships with standalone paid certification programs (e.g., Safety Culture Manager, DIN ISO 45001 Internal Auditor, Ergonomics Expert) and quality certification services through its wholly-owned GQA subsidiary.

Product overview

VDSI (Verband für Sicherheit, Gesundheit und Umweltschutz bei der Arbeit e.V.) is Germany’s largest professional association for occupational safety, health, and environmental protection at work. Rather than a single software product, VDSI offers a portfolio of membership services including the VDSInet networking platform for professional exchange, the VDSI-Weiterbildungsnachweis continuing education certification system, the bimonthly VDSI aktuell magazine, the GQA quality certification for safety service providers, the arbeitsschutzfilm.de video training portal, a podcast series, and over 28 specialist departments providing expert guidance. The association connects approximately 5,600 members across regions and specialist areas, facilitating knowledge exchange and professional development in workplace safety.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VDSInet: The members-only networking platform powered by Intrakommuna, enabling members to exchange ideas, collaborate on files, and communicate via chat and video calls.
• VDSI-Weiterbildungsnachweis
• GQA (Gesellschaft zur Förderung von Qualität und Sicherheit in der Arbeitswelt)
• Arbeitsschutzfilm.de
• VDSI aktuell
• VDSI Podcast (Der VDSI-Podcast)

Products and services

• VDSI Personal/Voting Membership Annual membership subscription granting voting rights and access to VDSInet networking platform, VDSI-Weiterbildungsnachweis certified continuing education, the bimonthly VDSI aktuell magazine (6 issues/year), regional and specialist department events, career services, and special partner discounts. Targeted at occupational safety, health, and environmental protection professionals across Germany.
• VDSInet Member Platform Online member networking platform (web and iOS/Android mobile app) enabling members to exchange with other VDSI members, participate in chats and video calls, access forums organized by regions and specialist departments, and collaborate on shared documents. Available to VDSI members via login credentials.
• VDSI-Weiterbildungsnachweis (Continuing Education Verification) Certification system where members earn and document VDSI points through participation in internal and external professional events, demonstrating ongoing professional development in occupational safety, health, and environmental protection. Awarded by VDSI for completed events and courses.
• VDSI aktuell (Bimonthly Member Magazine) Bimonthly member magazine (6 issues per year) featuring news, specialist reports, and contributions from VDSI expert committees, covering occupational health management, workplace safety regulations, and prevention culture. Distributed in the members-only section.
• GQA-Gütesiegel (Quality Certification for Safety Service Providers) Independent quality testing and certification service for occupational safety service providers, operated by GQA Gesellschaft für Qualität im Arbeitsschutz mbH (a 100% subsidiary of VDSI). Issues the GQA quality seal for technical safety service providers across Germany.
• arbeitsschutzfilm.de (Prevention Film Portal) Online portal providing access to over 700 prevention films organized into 60 specialist categories, serving approximately 14,000 registered users with 700–1,000 daily visitors on working days. Supported by DGUV and led by VDSI Region Berlin-Potsdam.
• VDSI Podcast (Der VDSI-Podcast) Podcast series covering occupational health, mental health at work, employee retention, and the visibility of occupational safety and health protection. Distributed on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and the VDSI website.
• Safety Culture Manager Certification (Stefan Bartel Academy) Certification program from the Stefan Bartel Academy priced at 8,397 EUR net for VDSI members. Includes 6 academy seminars, personal video coaching, conversation techniques, and mentor support. Earns 14 VDSI points (8 occupational safety, 8 health protection, 6 environmental protection).
• Internal Auditor DIN ISO 45001 (Steinbeis+Akademie) 2+2 day online certification course from Steinbeis+Akademie led by Prof. Dr. Udo Weis (VDSI Vorstand member). Priced at 830 EUR regular / 700 EUR for VDSI members. Earns 6 VDSI points (Part 1) and 8 VDSI points (Part 2).
• Ergonomics Expert Fernkurs (AGR e.V.) Four-month distance learning course from AGR e.V. (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) titled 'Experte für Ergonomie und Rückengesundheit' (Ergonomics and Back Health Expert). Priced at 560 EUR regular / 460 EUR for VDSI members. Earns 8 VDSI points (4 occupational safety, 4 health protection).

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• DIE ARBEITSMEDIZINflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026VDSI and DIE ARBEITSMEDIZIN signed the 'Berliner Erklärung' (Berlin Declaration), a Memorandum of Understanding for interdisciplinary prevention. This partnership strengthens collaboration between occupational safety and occupational medicine, setting a joint signal for modern prevention culture. Both organizations jointly oppose bureaucratic reduction efforts that could compromise safety levels.
• GQA - Gesellschaft für Qualität im Arbeitsschutz mbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024GQA is a 100% subsidiary of VDSI providing quality certification for occupational safety service providers. The GQA quality seal (Gütesiegel) serves as a quality certification for technical safety service providers across Germany. VDSI members benefit from GQA certification services and quality assurance in occupational safety services.
• DFK - Verband für Fach- und FührungskräftecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2023VDSI and DFK renewed their cooperation agreement, offering VDSI personal members access to DFK's legal service at reduced rates (228 EUR/year). DFK provides consultation, support, and court representation in labor law, social law, and criminal/administrative matters. Both associations plan joint events and digital content creation.
• Help Alliance for Ukrainian WorkersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 March 2022VDSI supports the Help Alliance for Ukrainian Workers, a humanitarian initiative helping Ukrainian workers. VDSI promotes the organization to its members and provides visibility on its website.
• FASI - Fachvereinigung Arbeitssicherheit e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022FASI is the umbrella organization of German occupational safety associations, including VDRI, VDGAB, and VDSI. VDSI participates in joint events including A+A trade fair, Arbeitsschutz Aktuell congress, and FASI-organized events. The FASI Lounge provides a unified presence at major trade fairs.
• Steinbeis+Akademie / Steinbeis-HochschuleminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Steinbeis+Akademie, led by Prof. Dr. Udo Weis (VDSI board member), provides Internal Auditor DIN ISO 45001 certification courses with VDSI member discounts. Prof. Weis has 30+ years of experience in standardization and practical implementation.
• AGR e.V. - Aktion Gesunder RückenminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022AGR e.V. provides 'Experte für Ergonomie und Rückengesundheit' (Ergonomics and Back Health Expert) distance learning course with VDSI member discounts. VDSI awards 8 points (4 occupational safety, 4 health protection) for course completion.
• Business Georgia (BusG)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021VDSI supports the Georgian partner association Business Georgia since 2021. The 11-month project developed demand-oriented services in occupational safety and produced a position paper on improving Georgian occupational safety law. Funded by BMZ through sequa gGmbH. Project completed July 2022 with continued support provided.
• DVR - Deutscher VerkehrssicherheitsratminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021VDSI and DVR jointly organize the competition 'Unterwegs – aber sicher!' (On the way, but safe!) seeking innovative projects to reduce commuting accidents, school and business travel accidents, and internal company transport accidents.
• HDI (HDI Versicherung AG)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018HDI provides exclusive insurance solutions for VDSI members including professional liability insurance (20% discount), office insurance, and disability coverage. VDSI members receive special terms on personal and professional risk coverage through HDI's group contracts.
• Christoph Benning / Arbeitsschutzfilm.decoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2012Initiated by VDSI Region Berlin-Potsdam leader Christoph Benning, arbeitsschutzfilm.de is a prevention film portal with over 700 films in 60 categories. Supported by DGUV, the platform serves approximately 14,000 registered users with 700-1000 daily users. A quality assurance advisory board includes multiple VDSI representatives.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• FASI – Fachvereinigung Arbeitssicherheit e.V. Umbrella organization of German occupational safety associations including VDSI, VDRI and VDGAB. Peer because it operates the FASI Lounge at A+A and Arbeitsschutz Aktuell and co-organizes events with VDSI; comparison shows the multi-association landscape VDSI competes/cooperates within.
• Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH): UK-based chartered body and the world's largest professional membership organization for OSH practitioners, with ~50,000 members. Direct functional peer to VDSI: same mission of professional development, CPD certification (IOSH CPD), policy advocacy, and member services for workplace safety and health professionals.
• BOHS – British Occupational Hygiene Society: UK-based professional body for occupational hygiene and workplace health professionals. Comparable to VDSI in offering professional qualifications (CertOH), CPD, technical publications, and advocacy on workplace health hazards — narrower scope but structurally identical.
• American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP): US-based professional society for occupational safety and health professionals (~35,000 members). Direct peer to VDSI: comparable membership-based model, chapter network, certifications (e.g., ASP/CSP), continuing education and standards-setting role analogous to VDSI's Fachbereiche.
• VDRI – Verband Deutscher Revisionsingenieure: German professional association for safety/revision engineers, fellow FASI member organization. Closest domestic peer to VDSI with overlapping Sifa and engineering safety membership base and similar regional/event model.

Broad incumbents

• BG BAU – Berufsgenossenschaft der Bauwirtschaft: German industry-specific statutory accident insurance for the construction sector, running its own training, certifications and Fachbereich-equivalent programs that overlap with VDSI's Bau and construction-safety specialist departments.
• DGUV – Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung: German statutory accident insurance umbrella that issues Vorschrift 2 governing occupational health provision. Not a membership association but a broader institutional incumbent that shapes the regulatory and continuing-education environment in which VDSI operates.
• TÜV Rheinland Akademie: Large German testing/certification body offering ISO 45001, safety officer and EHS training that directly competes with VDSI's Steinbeis-partnered certification programs. Comparable on certification and CPD revenue but as part of a much broader TIC portfolio.

Regional players

• AIAS – Associazione Italiana Ambiente e Sicurezza: Italian professional association for workplace safety and environmental protection specialists. Closest functional peer in another major European market, sharing the Sifa-style statutory safety-specialist context VDSI operates in.
• SGAS – Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Arbeitssicherheit: Swiss occupational safety professional association and DACHL cooperation partner of VDSI. Comparable member-driven model for safety specialists in Switzerland; relevant because VDSI explicitly cites DACHL cooperation as a strategic pillar.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCSeZ3v11M23AocROq_Rn7Gg/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=0
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vdsi-verband-f%C3%BCr-sicherheit-gesundheit-und-umweltschutz-bei-der-arbeit
• Instagraminstagram.com/vdsi.news

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about VDSI