Suva reports a positive operating result of CHF 57.5 million for 2019. Premiums proved to be in line with risks, as in previous years. All insurance lines are financially in balance. Needs-based provisions exist for all future benefits from all accidents and occupational diseases that have already occurred. In fiscal year 2019, Suva achieved an above-average investment performance of 9.3 percent on investments. As of the end of the year, fixed assets increased from CHF 50 billion to CHF 54 billion. The statutory funding requirement was thus exceeded.

As of the beginning of 2020, the technical interest rate fell to 1.5 percent following a decision by the Federal Department of Home Affairs. The resulting costs were already pre-financed in 2018, so that no increase in premiums will result. However, in view of the continuing extremely low interest rates and the foreseeable economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, a further reduction in the technical interest rate appears very likely. Suva has taken advantage of the good investment result in 2019 and set aside a provision of CHF 2.2 billion to finance this reduction as well without burdening premium payers. The remaining funds were used to strengthen the provisions for investment risks, resulting in an increase in the solvency ratio to 171 percent. This strengthens Suva's ability to meet all its obligations to policyholders at all times.

In 2019, premium payers were able to benefit from an extraordinary refund of surplus investment income amounting to 532 million francs. In occupational accident insurance, a further refund in the form of lower premiums amounting to around CHF 180 million will take place in 2020. Unfortunately, the tight situation on the capital markets will not allow any further extraordinary premium reductions in the coming years. Although net premiums will remain stable in 2021, gross premiums billed in occupational accident insurance will therefore rise again to the 2018 level for many insured companies, while they will remain unchanged on average in non-occupational accident insurance.

Measures due to the coronavirus pandemic

Due to the high economic burden placed on the insured companies by the Coronavirus pandemicSuva relieves them of as much administrative and financial burden as possible. Payment deadlines have been extended until at least the end of June and no reminders or debt collection letters will be sent until further notice. As a landlord, Suva is relieving those customers who were directly affected by a closure of operations during the coronavirus lockdown with at least one month's rent; individual solutions are being sought for tenants who were indirectly affected. The number of occupational accidents has decreased significantly as a result of the lockdown. It is therefore planned to adjust the premiums for occupational accident insurance in line with the reduced risk. Suva is currently examining, together with the Swiss Insurance Association (SIA) and the other accident insurers, how best to implement this planned premium adjustment in occupational accident insurance.

With the farm inspections transferred by the federal government under the Ordinance on the Control of Coronavirus on Construction sites as well as in industry and commerce, Suva makes an active contribution to combating the spread of the coronavirus. In close cooperation with the companies, we look for solutions and support them in implementing the protective measures of the federal government. Suva operates a hotline for employees in the construction, trade and industry sectors to answer questions about protecting employees from the coronavirus.

Felix Weber, Chief Executive Officer, comments: "With a positive operating result in 2019, solid reserves and own funds, we are well positioned for the financial stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We are aware that due to the coronavirus-related drop in sales, some of our insured operations are struggling to survive. We are therefore doing everything we can to provide them with as much administrative and financial relief as possible."

Overall inconspicuous development of accident figures in 2019

In fiscal year 2019, Suva received 479,746 Accidents and occupational diseases were reported (+ 0.9 percent). The duration of daily allowance payments increased slightly to 40.8 days (previous year 40.6 days). The rising number of cases with daily allowances (+ 2.7 percent) had an impact on daily allowance costs, which increased to CHF 1.492 billion (+ 3.5 percent).

The number of occupational accidents rose by 1.3 percent, in line with the increase in the number of employees according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). The number of leisure accidents increased by 0.9 percent. In terms of insured persons, this means a slight decrease in leisure accidents compared to the previous year with the exceptionally sunny summer. The number of accidents among persons registered as unemployed decreased again (- 5.8 percent). This is due to the good labor market situation in 2019 with the falling unemployment figures.

The measures ordered by the Federal Council to combat the coronavirus also had an impact on the current development of accident figures. During the lockdown period from March 16 to May 10, 2020, 34 percent fewer accidents were reported to Suva than in the previous year. The extent to which the decline in accident figures will affect the annual figures depends on the duration and intensity of the coronavirus measures. The decrease in reported accidents by May 10, 2020, represents about 5 percent of the accidents typically reported in a full year.

Text: Suva

More information:

• Video and images of the Annual Media Conference: www.pr.keystone-sda.ch
• Go to Presentation  the Annual Media Conference
• At Annual Report  the details can be seen for the fiscal year 2019
• Go to Factsheet Compensation Reserves

Obviously, barbecuing appeals more to the male part of our society. Only 24 percent of the 900 people injured in barbecue accidents are women. The statistics also show that it is mainly younger men who are injured when using fire outdoors. Those over 40, on the other hand, are more likely to be injured while grilling at home. Most barbecue accidents occur between April and September.

Hands off the fire

Not surprisingly, burns are statistically the most common type of injury. Approximately 60 percent of all burns occur during Barbecue at home from. The hands are most affected, followed by burns to the head, arms and legs. Improper handling of a grill poses a particularly high risk of injury. To prevent injuries, it is best to position the grill on a stable, fireproof surface. The grill must be at least one meter away from combustible materials (e.g. garden furniture, cushions, plastic plates, balcony railings, etc.). The barbecue should be located outdoors or on the balcony. Silvan Aschwanden, safety expert at Suva recommends, "A barbecue should be placed in a place protected from the wind so that the smoke can escape safely." Never barbecue in poorly ventilated or even closed rooms! Children and animals near the grill must always be supervised. When using a gas barbecue, the greatest risk of injury is from gas leaks when changing cylinders and from defective or incorrect hoses that do not fit Swiss gas cylinders. When using a charcoal grill, the improper use of liquid ignition aids is the main concern. The best way is to use ignition cubes, recommends Aschwanden. Anyone grilling is responsible for the safety of everyone present and stays with the grill, or hands over the "grill watch" to another adult.

Insects and ticks provide fiery moments

When firing away from home, casualties burn themselves about as much as they are unexpectedly burned by Ticks or insects or otherwise injure themselves superficially. It is therefore worthwhile to wear clothing that covers the body as much as possible and closed shoes. So that the small unwanted little animals away, it is advisable to apply insect spray before going out to "barbecue". To prevent cuts, knives and other dangerous grilling tools are best carried separately and protected from stings.

Do not waste the most beautiful moments

To ensure that cozy barbecue evenings are remembered fondly, "putting out the fire" is also part of "making the fire". Whether it is an outdoor fire or a fire at home, with wood, coal or gas: At the end, the source of the fire must be carefully extinguished or put out. With a Gas grill it is important to check whether the gas supply is completely turned off and, when firing outside, the glowing coal or the burnt wood has cooled down to the last piece.
The gas bottle at the gas grill should also always be stored upright and outside. Never store gas bottles in unventilated rooms or in the basement so that unnoticed escaping gas cannot accumulate and possibly ignite.

Text: Suva

More information on the topic:

• "Grill Check" 
• Barbecuing - Safe with coal and gas (bfu) 
• Safety tips "grill safely" (BFB) 
• Safe with gas, LPG working group

The comprehensive protective measures are here compiled.

Open House 2020

At the same time, our conference and seminar rooms are once again available for rent for your events. Whether it's a team meeting, a customer event or an annual meeting with up to 200 people, you'll find the right space in the newly built conference center of the Swiss Safety Center Academy - a stone's throw from Wallisellen train station. Interested in the conference and seminar rooms? Then visit the Swiss Safety Center Academy at the open day on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

You can find an overview of all face-to-face courses and web live courses of Swiss Safety Center AG at here.

Source: www.svti-gruppe.ch/tagungszentrum

In order to provide Switzerland in the Corona crisis with effective Protective material In recent weeks, Empa researchers have been working intensively with the textile industry and other partners on technologies and quality standards for community masks. On behalf of the federal government's "National COVID-19 Science Task Force", precise specifications for textile masks are now available in the "ReMask" project, which are intended to minimize the risk of coronavirus spread.

For example, the "Masks" expert group of the Science Task Force had recently made recommendations regarding the quality requirements for community masks. Based on these recommendations, Empa has investigated such community masks during the current crisis situation up to now. "Within a very short time, we have developed and implemented the necessary technologies and procedures in the Empa laboratories," explains René Rossi from the "Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles" laboratory in St. Gallen. To avoid having to use dangerous viruses for these experiments, the researchers used artificially dyed saliva to monitor what was happening on the inside and outside of a Mask in the sense of a droplet infection. "With the apparatus developed, the simulations could be optimally achieved," says Rossi.

More info

www.empa.ch

Managers who focus primarily on control and attendance have noticed that their management style has become outdated. Clear communication, transparency and employee participation have come to the fore. "This applies to the "regular" everyday working life and has now become even more important," says Dr. Marlen Cosmar, a psychologist and consultant at the Institute for Work and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IAG).

Feaders need an awareness of this new situation.

Just when for the Home Office If trust-based working time has been agreed upon, it is important to also rely on employees to do their work well. "Some managers who are not yet used to this can jump over their shadows here," emphasizes the psychologist. For employees with children in particular, it makes the situation much easier if the focus is not on each individual hour, but on the overall result. Dr. Cosmar: "Such trusting behavior on the part of the manager is rewarded with committed work on the part of the employees."

This also reduces the double burden in the home office. The situation poses a fundamentally increased health risk because the danger of being overworked is greater. In the worst case, there could even be burnout or even Depression threat. "Employees in a home office can also say no once in a while if it becomes too much. Especially for employees with children should Executives rely on their assessment," says Dr. Cosmar.

At present, managers are also faced with the task of making the transition from the home office back to the office as smooth as possible. Experience gained during the time spent in the home office can be put to good use. When employees work more independently in the home office, they have often learned to appreciate this. "Managers should consider whether this way of working can be maintained when employees return to the office. Facilitation instead of control, freedom instead of restrictions. Managers may have to change their behavior in the future and lead in a more goal-oriented way," says Dr. Marlen Cosmar.

More info

www.dguv.de

To address the acute shortage of respirators in Pandemic times Since the end of March 2020, Germany has had a rapid test that pragmatically checks the suitability of respirators for protection against Sars-CoV-2. In the meantime, dozens of product types have already been tested with positive results and millions of masks have thus been made marketable. 

"Actually, the CPA thus examined is exclusive to the provision of health care to the Protection before the virus," says Dr. Martin Liedtke, coordinator for personal protective equipment at the IFA. Nevertheless, CPA is now offered in many places in the trade, and those who have a need naturally take it. Liedtke: "This certainly includes companies that need filtering respiratory protection for a wide variety of activities, for example, at workplaces with high dust exposure or for handling cooling lubricants."

For the layman, CPA is often indistinguishable from otherwise standard, certified respiratory protection. But: CPA is not personal protective equipment according to the European test standard EN 149 for filtering half masks. It is not equivalent in terms of protection to respiratory protection certified to this test standard. CPA is intended to protect against the virus. "However, this does not automatically mean that the Respirators also offer protection against other airborne pollutants, for example oil-containing aerosols, some of which contain carcinogenic substances," says the IFA expert. 

Further information

www.dguv.de

58 participants with voting rights attended the SGIG General Assembly. The statutory business was dealt with and the assembly approved the annual accounts and discharged the board under the leadership of the president of the day Georges Heinzen. Ludwig Binkert thanked the outgoing treasurer Andreas Merz and his wife Trudy for their 5 years of service to the study group. They have always performed and fulfilled their tasks reliably and competently. The president presented them a fruit bowl with a few bottles of wine for a convivial round as a thank you. He also thanked Werner Duttweiler from the University Hospital Basel-Stadt for his commitment as delegate of the study group to the umbrella organization for occupational safety and health suissepro.

Giuseppe Costa, Head of Accident at HRM Systems in Winterthur, was newly elected to the Board and Beat Strebel, Head of Occupational Safety at Habasit AG in Reinach BL, was elected as SGIG delegate to the umbrella organization suissepro. The budget for 2020 presented by Andreas Merz was unanimously approved. The annual fees for individual and collective members remain unchanged.

World Café: Vision SGIG 2030

Under the direction of Peter Klauser a World-Café took place with the five items: Bigorio Seminars - Conferences - Divisions - PR - Services and Miscellaneous. The aim was to work out the future orientation and design of SGIG with the participation of all members. Under the leadership of the board members, a lively exchange of experiences, hints and ideas for the future of the study group took place at the posts. The board thanks for the cooperation and will keep the members informed about the further development in an appropriate form.

"Naturally - honestly" on the road with Swissness

By the co-managing director of Hug AG, Anna Hug, the company philosophy, the values and the goals of the company were presented to the attendees. The Hug company was founded more than 140 years ago with a bakery in Lucerne. The cornerstone of success was laid by Josef Hug-Meyer with the invention of the rusk. Since then, countless other pastries have been added, such as Läckerli, Willisauer-Ringli, Dar-Vida Crackers, catering pastries, frozen snacks and Bricelets. Hug AG is a typical Swiss family business with three locations: Malters, Willisau and Trimbach. Today, the replacement of the 5th generation is ensured by Anna Hug (marketing and sales) and Fabian Hug (development, innovation, quality management). HUG stands for: "Cordial" "Entrepreneurial" and "Conscientious". These principles are part of the philosophy and the basis for entrepreneurial action.

Project "backhaus"/Integration Wernli Trimbach at the Malters site

Marianne Wüthrich Gross presented the large-scale backhaus project. She was site manager in Trimbach and is now project manager backhaus in Malters. After extensive clarifications, the idea of continuing the Trimbach site had to be rejected, in particular for reasons of lack of space for an extension. At a cost of CHF 60 million (construction and facilities), the company is now building a new factory building for the Trimbach production lines at the Malters site. As many Trimbach employees as possible are to be transferred to Malters, where they will operate these lines ex Trimbach. At the same time, a warehouse with space for 1300 pallets will be built. Five complete production lines including upstream and downstream processes will be relocated. The planning and implementation of this project required time, manpower and forward-looking communication. Those present gained a good insight into the still ongoing integration process for the employees from Trimbach, which the company is shaping in an open and human way, with appreciation and tolerance.

At the moment it looks like, thanks to the great efforts, about 80% of the employees intend to continue their professional future at Hug AG in Malters. This also means that the great existing know-how and thus the product quality can be secured.

Food safety versus (?) occupational safety

Beat Bryan from Quality Management explained how the two topics of Occupational safety and Health protection part of all construction meetings, relocation meetings and in the regular CIP meetings during ongoing operations. In a food production plant, the issues of food safety and occupational safety are closely linked. From a food perspective, there are the HACCP principles (Recognition, Assessment and Control of Biological, Chemical or Physical Hazards) which, together with Good Manufacturing Practices (GHP), ensure the safety of products. As with occupational safety, food safety is also about the health of people. While one is about employees, the other is about customers (and so are employees!).

Many measures to control risks in areas such as cleaning agents, work shoes, food defense, infectious diseases, etc. serve both occupational and food safety. A good company culture and teamwork form the important basis for the functioning of these measures. However, food safety and occupational safety are sometimes in conflict with each other, because, for example, constant washing/disinfection is required, there is a need for impact protection (= plastic above production equipment), pinch guards to protect employees at the machines, etc. This, however, means a "foreign body" in turn. However, this in turn means a "foreign body risk" for the products, or more difficult cleaning. Regarding the large project bakehouse Beat Bryan described the key points of the construction and operational planning, the transfer of products, production lines and employees. The meticulous production planning in advance and the safe phased relocation of the five production lines from Trimbach to Malters is a prerequisite for the company to be able to supply safe products in the usual good quality and sufficient quantity during this phase.

More info

Under the name Study Group for Health Protection in Industry, Service and Trade (SGIG) exists as an association founded in 1956 with the aim of promoting safety and health protection in the world of work. The study group supports the exchange of experience and knowledge between occupational physicians, occupational hygienists, safety engineers, safety specialists and other persons, such as line managers, who deal with questions from the mentioned subject areas and offers corresponding specialist conferences and training courses.

The SGIG is a section of the umbrella organization suissepro of the professional societies for safety and health at work.

The main public transport companies in Switzerland have announced that they will increase their frequency again from Monday, so that travel within Switzerland will be easier again. However, the risk of a new wave of Covid 19 infection remains. The increase in traffic is therefore accompanied by preventive health measures that complement the rules introduced in mid-March. The TCS accompanies its members in accordance with the rules set by the BAG and recommends that these be observed regardless of the means of transport chosen. It is also strongly advised not to put your hands in your face and to wash your hands regularly.

Walking is healthy
It is recommended to cover distances on foot as often as possible - also because physical activity is beneficial to health. Dr. Markus Luethi, a doctor at TCS, recommends physical exertion in general: "Keeping the circulatory system moving, i.e. strengthening it, is an important way to stay healthy while having a good Health to stay. A healthy and resilient cardiovascular system helps overcome serious illness and speeds recovery. Wearing face masks is recommended when the required distance cannot be maintained between people who do not live in the same household."

The face mask is superfluous when cycling
When riding a bike must be a distance of two meters from other Cyclists be observed, but wearing a face mask is not recommended. Dr. Markus Luethi recalls that hygiene rules must be observed even if there is no direct physical contact with other people: "You have to take care of your personal Hygiene be concerned after touching the handlebars of your bicycle, for example. The main thing is to wash your hands carefully and avoid touching your face." The TCS also recommends regularly cleaning the handlebars and all parts of the bike that have been touched with soap to counteract any risk of infection.

More info

www.tcs.ch

Since the schools closed in mid-March, there have been significantly fewer Children on and along the roads. Starting Monday, motorists will again encounter children on their way to school. The AAIB draws the attention of all road users to the fact that children often behave surprisingly on the sidewalk and on the road.

For children, the way to school is a special experience. They play, romp around and certainly have a lot to talk about after the long time they haven't been able to see each other. It is easy to forget that there are dangers lurking along the road. Every year in Switzerland, there are Road traffic a total of 950 accidents involving children on foot, on bicycles or on scooters. In these accidents, 180 children are seriously injured and an average of 7 children die. 40 % of these accidents occur on the way to school, and not only at the beginning of the school year - which is why caution is also required now.

Search for the most surprising children

Children often move in their fantasy world. So they need our full Attention in road traffic, but not only there. They deserve it in other ways as well: BFU is looking for surprise artists among all children and shows that the unexpected is definitely welcome far away from the road. The children can prove what they can do with a self-made video.

Even if nimble fingers on the piano and precise soccer kicks make an impression - in this video competition you score points with the surprise factor. This can be done with very simple ideas and doesn't require years of practice. Who can make their eyebrows dance? Wiggle their ears? Perform a magic trick? Children between the ages of four and twelve have until July 10 to submit their video. All the information is available at double-watch.ch.

Five tips for drivers to make the way to school safer:

• With children expect anything
• Slow down tempo
• Be ready to brake
• Stop completely at pedestrian crossing
• Pay double attention around schools

 More info:

www.bfu.ch

At Spring many Swiss people like to spend time in their Garden, to plant vegetables, tend ornamental shrubs or fertilize the soil. This year, this activity is likely to take on even greater significance, as it gives people the opportunity to get some fresh air and at the same time follow the Federal Council's recommendation to stay at home if possible.

Fall from the ladder particularly bad

Accidents also happen during gardening, more than 14,000 per year. In around 400 cases, serious injury or even disability is the result. Many Accidents happen because of lack of routine, ladders have the most serious - sometimes even fatal - consequences. However, the risk of accidents in your own garden can be reduced if you follow some tips and measures.

• Use a stable ladder for work at height: the safest place for the ladder is on a flat surface. And if you use an extension ladder on a tree, fix the top end to a branch for more safety.
• Always wear the appropriate protective equipment: closed-toe shoes with a good tread, safety glasses, gloves, and - if it gets loud - hearing protection.
• With electrical devices, it is always worthwhile to read the instructions carefully first - and only use the devices for what they are intended for.
• According to Electrosuisse standards, anyone using electrical equipment outdoors must connect it to a socket outlet equipped with a residual current device (RCD). This protects against electric shocks. And: If you take a break, pull the plug.
• Special care should be taken with corrosive garden chemicals: Protect gloves, goggles and mask. It is important to store the chemicals in the original container - securely closed and out of reach of children.

More info

www.bfu.ch

The series of lectures starts with leadership and embedding "Health, Safety, Environment" in overall organizations using a practical example. Presented by an HSE manager. Participants will learn first-hand why the Sika Group is committed to "Vision Zero" and what the current status of implementation is. From Accidents and learning from the mistakes of others: How does this know-how transfer succeed? The department head Occupational safety/health protection at Suva gets to the bottom of this aspect. The morning part is concluded with the topics of safety at non-stationary workplaces and the expensive, painful absences in the company.

Human behavior

Psychological aspects strongly influence occupational safety and health protection. How is human behavior successfully changed? How do incentives instead of prohibitions lead to a better goal at ASGS? The RANAS approach and the "Nudging" method are appropriate here. What's behind them? You can hear more about it on November 10, 2020. The communication factor is also the cornerstone of success for functioning security activities. An expert in management communication will round off the event with his comments on this.

Info: All previously registered participants keep the place guaranteed until further notice. You will be contacted by SAVE AG whether it is possible for you to participate in the rescheduled date.

To the registration