§ Section 167 Prevention
(1) In the event of personal, behavioral or operational difficulties in the employment or other employment relationship which could lead to a threat to this relationship, the employer shall involve the representative for severely disabled persons and the representatives specified in Section 176 as well as the Integration Office as early as possible in order to discuss with them all possibilities and all available assistance for advice and possible financial benefits with which the difficulties can be eliminated and the employment or other employment relationship can be continued as permanently as possible.
 
(2) If employees are unable to work continuously or repeatedly for more than six weeks within one year, the employer shall clarify with the responsiblen representation of interests within the meaning of Section 176, and in the case of severely disabled persons also with the representation of severely disabled persons, with the consent and participation of the person concerned, the possibilities of how the inability to work can be overcome as far as possible and with which benefits or assistance renewed inability to work can be prevented and the job maintained (company integration management). Employees can also consult a representative of their own choice. If necessary, the company physician or company doctor will be consulted. The person concerned or his or her legal representative must be informed in advance of the objectives of occupational integration management and of the type and scope of the data collected and used for this purpose. If benefits for participation or accompanying assistance in working life are considered, the rehabilitation providers or, in the case of severely disabled employees, the Integration Office shall be consulted by the employer. They shall ensure that the necessary benefits or assistance are applied for without delay and provided within the period specified in the second sentence of Section 14 (2). The competent interest group within the meaning of Section 176, and in the case of severely disabled persons also the representative body for severely disabled persons, may request clarification. They shall ensure that the employer fulfills the obligations incumbent upon it under this provision.
 
(3) The rehabilitation providers and the integration offices may encourage employers who introduce occupational integration management by means of bonuses or a bonus.
 

Only the German version of this law is legally binding.