Suva may in future contribute financially to the compensation of asbestos victims
Suva may provide financial support to the Foundation Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims (EFA) in future. At its meeting on September 13, 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the amendment to the Accident Insurance Act (UVG). This will allow Suva to contribute financially to the compensation of victims of asbestos-related illnesses that are not covered by insurance.
The use of asbestos was banned in Switzerland in 1989. The long latency period between exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms means that around 120 people are still diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma every year. Of these, 20 to 30 are not entitled to benefits from compulsory accident insurance, as it cannot be proven that they were exposed to asbestos in an occupational context. They are only entitled to benefits from compulsory health insurance and disability insurance, which cover significantly lower costs. The Foundation Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims (EFA Foundation) was established precisely for these cases and has been contributing financially to the compensation of victims since July 2017.
However, financing this foundation has proved increasingly difficult in recent years. To secure its long-term future, the Federal Council is proposing to amend the Accident Insurance Act (UVG) so that Suva can contribute to it. However, according to the new Article 67b UVG, Suva may only use the additional income from insurance against occupational accidents and illnesses for this purpose, so that insurance premiums remain unaffected.
The Suva Council has the exclusive authority to decide whether and to what extent the EFA Foundation will receive financial support.
Source: bag.admin.ch
