SGAS calls for more support for occupational health and safety
Although the daily commitment of the 1,800 specialists has helped to reduce the number of occupational accidents in Switzerland by half since 1980, a recent survey of members of the Swiss Society for Occupational Safety revealed a lack of support from companies and too few checks.
Shortly before the 40th anniversary of the Swiss Society for Occupational Safety (SGAS), the association reminds us that specialists in occupational safety and health protection must be better supported.
A recent survey of its members found that 62% respondents are compliant with the legal requirements for training. The 37.5% members who are not up to date cited lack of support from employers, lack of time or fear of being penalized as the main reasons! For SGAS, the
The company's supervisory bodies are responsible for ensuring that the legal obligations regarding the assumption of training costs are met. The time and costs associated with training must not be borne by employees.
The supervisory bodies are on the ball
For Cédric Cagnazzo, entrepreneur and board member of SGAS, "these results are food for thought, but safety in the workplace is often seen as a burden by managers who are struggling with other priorities. However, various studies show that prevention benefits companies, as absenteeism costs employers a lot of money. Training should therefore be seen as an investment and change minds about safety professionals."
Thanks to their commitment to militia activities, occupational safety specialists contribute to the spread of a genuine culture of health prevention, not only in companies but also among the general public. This model of social partnership is undeniably part of Switzerland's DNA and has contributed to its prosperity at a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to find people willing to serve on boards of directors or join a local council.
Submission of a postulate in support of the militia system
In view of the weakening of the militia system, the SGAS and suissepro launched a declaration in support of the militia system in Switzerland last year to raise awareness of this issue among companies and encourage them to take concrete measures to support employees who wish to get involved. "With 31 co-signatory companies and associations (employers and trade unions) committed to creating favorable working conditions for militia activities, the result of this campaign is far beyond our expectations," explains Christian Wyssmüller, President of SGAS. It shows how much the Swiss are attached to the militia system. Numerous personalities have also pledged their support, and we are delighted that Jean Tschopp, National Councillor, has submitted a postulate in which he calls on the Federal Council to examine possible incentives and support measures to enable employees to commit themselves to the general public in order to develop our militia system."
Anniversary coming up
The Swiss Society for Occupational Safety (SGAS) is preparing for its 40th anniversary celebrations on April 25 in Bern. On January 1, 1984, when the Accident Insurance Act (UVG) and the Ordinance on Accident Prevention (VUV) came into force at the same time, occupational safety and the duty of employers to consult safety experts to ensure the health and protection of employees were enshrined in law. Against this background, the SGAS was founded on June 15, 1984, with the aim of promoting high-quality further training, highlighting the work of its members and representing their interests. Among other things, the SGAS offers specialist conferences, maintains a register of occupational safety specialists and a catalog of certified training courses. Today, the Swiss Society for Occupational Safety (SGAS) has over 1,800 specialists - safety engineers, experts and coordinators - who professionally promote safety and health protection in the workplace.
Source: www.sgas.ch
