Imminent danger in occupational safety and health protection
Part-time public offices are not uncommon in Switzerland. Due to the increasing individualization of society, the Swiss Society for Occupational Safety (SGAS) and the umbrella organization suissepro have drawn up a declaration to promote the Swiss militia system.
The dovetailing of gainful employment and an association mandate has promoted mutual understanding over decades, especially in occupational safety, and has brought economic knowledge to the fields of health protection and prevention in society. It is true that highly competent bodies such as Suva and various labor inspectorates also do a good job. However, the Swiss Society for Occupational Safety (SGAS) sees the model of the Swiss militia system in danger due to the increasing individualization of society and the rising demands in the world of work.
Win-win for entrepreneurs and employees
For this reason, the occupational health and safety association, together with the umbrella organization suissepro, has developed a "Public Statement" which calls for the maintenance of the militia system in Switzerland. Together with the social partners, companies are encouraged to create framework conditions at the workplace that encourage and enable professionals to engage in occupational health and safety in charitable institutions.
For employers, the commitment of specialized militiamen results in many advantages, not least in terms of image, responsibility, network and integration. Such commitments could be cushioned by stronger personnel retention in order to strengthen Switzerland as a business location and not reduce labor peace.
Source: SGAS
