50 years of Werksarztzentrum Oberberg e.V.

Lindlar, September 22, 2025. Werksarztzentrum Oberberg e.V. is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since its foundation in 1975, the association has been supporting employers and employees in all matters relating to occupational health and safety and accident prevention in the workplace. With its expertise, experience, and commitment, the center ensures that prevention, precaution, and workplace health promotion go hand in hand.

Wide range of medical services 
Up to 10,000 consultations and examinations are now carried out each year. These include occupational health precautions, for example for workplaces in noisy areas or when handling hazardous substances, aptitude tests, e.g., for recruitment or in accordance with driving license and radiation protection regulations, examinations in accordance with the Youth Employment Protection Act, as well as travel medicine consultations and vaccinations. The company medical center is also a recognized yellow fever vaccination center. The services are supplemented by psychological counseling, nutritional advice, and support in occupational health management, risk analysis, reintegration, and issues relating to severe disabilities. 

“The demands placed on a company medical center are increasing year by year,” explains the center's medical director, Dr. Udo Schwiddessen. “This is due to requirements from professional associations and the district government, as well as new medical findings and legal requirements. Added to this are the consequences of demographic change: orthopedic, internal medicine, and increasingly psychological issues characterize our consultations.”

Modern premises, strong structures 
In 2019, the company medical center moved from Kerberg to Windhagen. Modern examination and consultation rooms are available there on an area of 600 square meters. Around 160 member companies from the Oberbergischer Kreis district, the neighboring Sauerland region, Rhineland-Palatinate, and as far as Overath now benefit from the services offered. They are looked after by a team of five specialists in occupational medicine, one doctor in further training, four assistants, and three administrative staff. The association's strength lies in its personal proximity to its member companies: orders and requests are processed quickly, and designated contact persons ensure continuity in customer care.

Thanks and recognition on the anniversary 
Among those offering their congratulations were CEO Jan Schmidt-Krayer and his deputy Horst Heitkamp. “My father Christoph was one of the founding members of the association,” said Schmidt-Krayer. "With great foresight, the Oberberg companies founded an association that has provided more than 200,000 occupational health consultations, examinations, and vaccinations over the past five decades. That deserves respect and recognition. On behalf of the entire board, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all employees for their commitment." With this anniversary, the Werksarztzentrum Oberberg e.V. is not only looking back on a successful past, but also facing the challenges of the future: sustainably protecting and promoting the health of employees in a changing world of work.