The work and research programmes adopted every four years by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, BAuA) define and explain the Federal Institute's technical priorities and the activities required to perform its diverse functions. 

The Work and Research Programme for the period 2026-2029 is structured around five strategic fields of action with specific objectives, research priorities, and implementation measures.

• Systematically surveying and assessing changes in the world of work 
• Ensuring safety in use and usability 
• Designing humane work systems 
• Preserving and promoting health and work ability 
• Further developing instruments and communicating knowledge 

Concrete topics and substantive issues are addressed by means of cooperation across different fields of action and between BAuA's individual divisions.

Apart from setting out the research and development activities planned for its fields of action, the Work and Research Programme also outlines the principles and methods followed in BAuA's various areas of responsibility - research and development, regulation, policy advice, knowledge transfer, and the DASA Working World Exhibition.

Additionally, the Programme also describes the main features of BAuA’s organisational structure and its personnel development priorities.