In India, over 90 percent of e-waste is processed in the informal sector. This activity provides income for many families, but often pollutes the environment and the health of workers. Adapting and complying with legal regulations is difficult due to the investment and administrative burden required.

This is where the Ecowork project comes in, which was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and Innosuisse through the Bridge program: A novel business model based on the coworking concept was developed to support small businesses in the informal sector. This approach was initiated by an Indian-Swiss team, including environmental scientist Dea Wehrli, who works at Empa and is co-leading the project. She specializes in recycling electronic waste and worked in this field in India before joining Ecowork.

"The Ecowork Space is intended to become a kind of incubator hub and integrate entrepreneurs into the value chain. In doing so, we can draw on Empa's valuable knowledge and many years of experience in e-waste recycling."

Tools and protective equipment

Ecowork is aimed at microentrepreneurs without investment capital or experience in running a business. It is currently being set up and tested in Delhi and is expected to provide jobs for around 40 interested people in the first year. Even while working with Ecowork, participants remain self-employed.

"We offer them a business model with several elements: They can rent a safe and legal workplace, and they get access to tools and protective equipment. We also want to support them in using more efficient work processes and in administrative steps, and offer them training opportunities," explains Wehrli. In this way, the participants should be able to increase their market and earn more income.

More efficiency thanks to apps

The Ecowork business model also includes digital solutions. The microenterprises can network with the help of apps. Dea Wehrli explains how this works: "If a worker extracts only a small amount of a certain material when dismantling a laptop, thanks to the app she can combine it with extracted material from another microenterprise nearby and offer a larger quantity for sale. Buyers are more interested in larger quantities and pay higher prices for them," explains Dea Wehrli.

The scientist is excited: "E-waste is a global challenge. Swiss research has expertise in this area. I see it as our responsibility to use this knowledge and the opportunities we have to help improve the ecological and social situation in the recycling sector. All the more so because our solution - if it proves successful - could be transferred to many other countries."

Source: Empa

According to MCH Basel, due to the current Covid19 situation, the conditions for official approval to hold Swissbau in January 2022 were not met. Therefore, in December last year decided, the platform for the construction and real estate industry to be postponed: The event will now be held in Basel from Tuesday, May 3 to Friday, May 6, 2022.

Clear backing from exhibitors

However, the exhibitors were behind the decision: In initial discussions with leading exhibitors from all sectors, despite the great disappointment, there was also clear support for a postponement to next spring, as the organizers emphasize.

Slight program changes possible

The Safety Congress, organized by Save AG, should have been held in parallel with Swissbau. It will also be postponed and will now take place on the Swissbau dates in May 2022. Due to the postponement, there may be slight changes to the program, according to Save AG.

To the program of Swissbau 2022
To the program of the security congress

During the modules of the congress from May 3 to 6, 2022, a wide range of current problem and solution areas will be covered, from risk management to occupational safety, fire protection, corporate safety and building security. The SES, the SGAS, Swiss Safety Center and the VKF recognize the Safety Congress as continuing education.

Sources: MCH Basel/Save AG

Accidents and occupational illnesses increased by 6.1 percent in the occupational accident insurance sector, according to a Suva statement. A total of 450,000 cases were reported to accident insurance in 2021, an increase of 4.2 percent. There was a significant increase of 13.2 percent in accidents involving people reported as unemployed. However, the latter increase is linked to last year's rise in unemployment figures.

In terms of occupational accidents, the study showed that more people were at work again in 2021. This conspicuousness is reflected in a 6.1 percent increase in the number of accidents compared to the corona year 2020, while in 2019 - before the pandemic - there were about 4 percent fewer lost work days.

Increase in recreational accidents

For example, in recreational accidents, there was a 2.4 percent increase in skiing accidents due to ski areas being closed for the 2020 lockdown.

Football saw a significant reduction in accidents due to seasonal factors. Over the whole of 2021, for example, there was an increase of 17.9 percent in football accidents, while the other ball sports were only affected by an increase of 2 percent.

Bicycle accidents also decreased compared to the previous year, while there had been an actual "bicycle boom" in the first lockdown in the spring and summer of 2020, but this was reflected in significantly higher accident figures. Since there was less cycling in 2021, the accident figures fell by 10.6 percent compared to the previous year.

More information on Suva accident statistics 

Source: Suva

HP's security team identified a large number of cyber-attacks in which Excel add-in files were misused to deliver malware. The number of attackers infecting systems with malicious Excel add-in files had increased six-fold compared to the last quarter.

For example, the cyber criminals can gain access to companies and individuals via malicious Excel extensions and continue their attack tactics with ransomware attacks.

According to HP Wolf Security, the technique via Excel add-ins is particularly dangerous because the malware can be executed with just one click. The security researchers were also able to identify various malware construction kits, which also make it easier for inexperienced attackers to carry out such attacks.

Other findings from HP's security study:

• 13 percent of the isolated email malware had bypassed at least one gateway scanner.
• 136 different file extensions were used in the attempts to infect companies.
• 77 percent of the detected malware was spread via email, 13 percent via Internet downloads.
• The most common attachments used to spread malware were documents (29 percent), archives (28 percent), program executables (21 percent) and spreadsheets (20 percent).
•   The most common phishing lures related to New Year or business transactions with keywords such as "order," "2021/2022," "payment," "purchase," "inquiry," and "invoice."

Source: HP Wolf Security

The Hanover Interschutz has already had to be postponed twice due to pandemics. Originally scheduled for March 2020, the world's leading trade show for firefighting, rescue and civil protection was initially moved to June 2021. In December, the trade fair advisory board last met to decide on the date, which is still being adhered to today: from June 20 to 25, 2022. According to a current statement from Hanover, preparations are said to be in full swing. Bernd Heinold, project manager of Interschutz AG at Deutsche Messe AG, was quoted as saying that they are sure that the coming edition will build on the success of the last event in 2015.

This year, the main theme of Interschutz is the digitalization and networking of different players. Increasing major incidents caused by natural disasters and climate change have made it clear that this topic is of particular importance.

The presentations will include scenarios involving drones in rescue operations and examples of seamless data exchange via networked systems. Warning apps on mobile devices, for example when emergency numbers fail, are also on the agenda. In the rescue sector, digitalization also includes intelligent routing, which should take dynamic traffic situations into account, such as automatic green switching in traffic lights.

Other key topics at Interschutz include various programs in rescue services, civil protection, communications and control center technology, as well as topics relating to protective equipment.

To the complete program of Interschutz AG

Source: Deutsch Messe AG

The new Construction Work Ordinance came into force on January 1, 2022. At Suva, some prevention programs, factsheets and information folders have also changed in this context. For example, various information documents for painters and plasterers, building construction and timber construction as well as fact sheets on safety requirements for safety nets, intermediate floors and side protection or on the handling of portable ladders are affected by adjustments.

As the new Construction Work Ordinance has far-reaching changes on the information offered by Suva, the Swiss Accident Insurance Fund has developed a List of all publications compiled, which have been available in the updated version since January 1, 2022. Some of the information tools are only slightly affected by a revision and will still be revised in the course of the year. Included in the Excel document are all checklists and prevention programs that have been newly posted, revised or cancelled in the last twelve months.

Source: Suva

According to the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), the three most important projects of the Federal Office were reviewed and reprioritized last year. Named are the secure data network system SDVS, the project "Polycom to 2030" (WEP 2030) and the broadband security communications system (MSK).

Collaboration with Polycom wireless network improved

The secure data sharing system (SVDS) is about the secure communication infrastructure of the federal and cantonal authorities and the operators of critical infrastructures. This has been restructured. First and foremost, the user sites are now being opened up. This involves the conception, realization of the new network up to IP networking at layer 3 level.

With the Polycom radio network, there were still major challenges for the FOCP and the suppliers. The first transmission sites could start pilot operation in October 2021. The latter plays an important role in identifying and eliminating errors in the real operational area, as the FOCP writes. From the 2nd quarter of 2022, the installation of the new components is to be launched throughout Switzerland and completed on schedule by 2024.

Further, at the end of 2021, there was a request to providers of secure telecommunication systems to exchange information with the emergency organization about the possibilities of a Switzerland-wide, highly available mobile network.

More about the state of "Security communication systems for civil protection" can be found at in the newsletter of the FOCP.

Source: FOCP

According to the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), the three most important projects of the Federal Office were reviewed and reprioritized last year. Named are the secure data network system SDVS, the project "Polycom to 2030" (WEP 2030) and the broadband security communications system (MSK).

Collaboration with Polycom wireless network improved

The secure data sharing system (SVDS) is about the secure communication infrastructure of the federal and cantonal authorities and the operators of critical infrastructures. This has been restructured. First and foremost, the user sites are now being opened up. This involves the conception, realization of the new network up to IP networking at layer 3 level.

With the Polycom radio network, there were still major challenges for the FOCP and the suppliers. The first transmission sites could start pilot operation in October 2021. The latter plays an important role in identifying and eliminating errors in the real operational area, as the FOCP writes. From the 2nd quarter of 2022, the installation of the new components is to be launched throughout Switzerland and completed on schedule by 2024.

Further, at the end of 2021, there was a request to providers of secure telecommunication systems to exchange information with the emergency organization about the possibilities of a Switzerland-wide, highly available mobile network.

More about the state of "Security communication systems for civil protection" can be found at in the newsletter of the FOCP.

Source: FOCP

Laut Forschungsleiter Alex Franghi und Team liegt die Prognosegenauigkeit bei 70 bis 80 Prozent. «Diese Technik eröffnet die Möglichkeit, das Screening von Herzerkrankungen zu revolutionieren», sagt Franghi. Netzhaut-Scans seien vergleichsweise günstig und würden routinemässig in vielen Optikerpraxen gemacht. Als Ergebnis des automatisierten Screenings würden Patienten, die ein hohes Risiko haben, krank zu werden, dann an Kardiologen überwiesen, die einen Infarkt möglicherweise noch abwenden könnten.

Während des Lernprozesses analysierte das KI-System die Netzhaut- und Herz-Sans von über 5000 Personen. Es identifizierte Parallelen zwischen Veränderungen in der Netzhaut und am Herzen des Patienten. Als das System seine Lektion gelernt hatte, konnte es die Grösse und Pumpeffizienz des linken Ventrikels, einer der vier Kammern des Herzens, allein aus Netzhaut-Scans abschätzen.

Ein vergrösserter Ventrikel ist mit einem erhöhten Risiko für Herzerkrankungen verbunden. Mit Infos über die geschätzte Grösse des linken Ventrikels und seine Pumpeffizienz in Kombination mit grundlegenden demografischen Daten über den Patienten, sein Alter und Geschlecht kann das KI-System eine Vorhersage über ein Herzinfarktrisiko in den folgenden zwölf Monaten machen.

Alternativen sind oft teuer

Derzeit können Details über die Grösse und Pumpeffizienz des linken Ventrikels eines Patienten nur durch Echokardiografie oder Magnetresonanztomografie bestimmt werden. Diese diagnostischen Tests sind teuer, sodass sie für vor beugende Reihenuntersuchungen ungeeignet sind. Zudem ist die erforderliche Technik oft nur in Krankenhäusern verfügbar, die für Menschen in Ländern mit weniger gut ausgestatteten Gesundheitssystemen schlecht erreichbar sind. Den Experten nach ist das neue KI-System ein ausgezeichnetes Werkzeug, um die komplexen Muster der Netzhaut zu entwirren und sie für Infarktprognosen nutzbar zu machen.

Source: Presstetext.com

Bauen Digital Schweiz (Building Smart Switzerland) has published a new publication. The "BIM Settlement Model" shows how the entire information management is regulated during the processes of digital design, construction and operation within the entire life cycle and is aimed at all parties of a construction project and relies on comprehensible terms.

The "BIM execution model" explains on the one hand the interrelationships of important control elements in a BIM project, on the other hand it explains how a BIM project can be formally executed.

The document is based on the SN EN ISO 19650 series of standards, which specifies information management with BIM. The detailed document was developed in collaboration with the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA) and the Swiss Advisory Committee CEN/TC BK 442 AG3 TG2/3.

The common understanding of collaborative cooperation in BIM projects is complex: Thus, the guide is primarily intended to help those involved in construction to understand the interdependence of the individual necessary control instruments and to assign them correctly.

The publication can be ordered at bauen-digital.ch be downloaded free of charge.

The Federal Food Safety Office (FSVO) posted a total of 31 public warnings and 62 recalls in 2020. Of the public warnings, 28 foodstuffs and 3 articles of daily use were affected. The recalls concerned 49 foodstuffs and 13 articles of daily use.

The most common reasons for public warnings were pesticide residues, pathogenic microorganisms and allergens. For recalls, the most common three reasons were pesticide residues, foreign bodies and mycotoxins. New this year are pesticide residues of the
most common reason for both public warnings and recalls.

Slight increase in warnings and recalls

The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is used for the rapid transfer of food safety information between the European Union and Switzerland. It was developed to inform the competent authorities in Europe immediately about products that pose a risk to health.

Pesticide residues in food are due to ethylene oxide residues in sesame products from India. The trend over the last years is slightly increasing both in public warnings and recalls. In the European Union, a total of 3766 RASFF notifications were issued in 2020. Switzerland was affected by 241 of these notifications and triggered 62 of them itself.

To the detailed annual report of the BLV 

On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, the annual siren test will take place throughout Switzerland. 5000 stationary and 2200 mobile sirens will be tested. The alerting capabilities of the Alertswiss app will also be tested by sending notifications.

The test will take place at 13:30 in the afternoon. From then on, the sirens will wail regularly for one minute and emit an ascending and descending wail. This is the so-called general alarm. In the areas near the dams, a water alarm will also sound between 2:15 and 3 pm. According to the federal government, this signal consists of twelve low continuous tones of 20 seconds each at intervals of 10 seconds.

In addition, the mobile application Alertswiss is also being tested through notifications, which 1.2 million users have now installed on their cell phones. With Alertswiss, it is possible to send the population a message with behavioral recommendations even in the case of small-scale events such as an imminent debris flow or contaminated drinking water.

What applies in the event of a real siren alarm?

In the event of a general alarm outside an announced siren test, the population is asked to listen to the radio or get information via the Alertswiss channels, follow the instructions of the authorities and inform neighbors, the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) writes. In the event of a water alarm, the population should leave the endangered area immediately.

Useful links:

• Alertswiss 
• Siren test 
• Alerting the population 
• App Store Apple 
• Google Play Store 

 

Source: FOCP