To protect the safety and health of employees, the Working Hours Act (ArbZG) contains provisions that limit working hours on workdays and prescribe rest breaks and rest periods. From the point of view of health protection, more extensive regulations apply to night and shift work. The ArbZG also implements the fundamental ban on employing workers on Sundays and public holidays.

Collective bargaining agreements can set stricter working time limits, but in some cases also regulations that go beyond the provisions of the ArbZG. The ArbZG provides a flexible framework for the organization of working hours.

Special regulations apply to certain groups of people, such as young people or expectant and nursing mothers. These are enshrined in special laws such as the Youth Employment Protection Act and the Maternity Protection Act. For driving personnel in freight and passenger transport, the driving time and rest period regulations also apply.