Health protection and occupational safety: imminent danger

Switzerland is a militia country, and has been for centuries. The militia system is one of the foundations of our democracy, our economy and our social life. Authorities and public bodies, the army, organizations, associations, the media, etc.: The militia system strengthens trust in our decision-makers in all these areas, provided they remain realistic and do not join the ranks of the "unrealistic technocrats".

Occupational safety and health protection lose touch with the grass roots

Mutual understanding and the exchange of experience and scientific knowledge are of crucial importance everywhere, including in the area of health protection, occupational safety and prevention. It is true that highly competent bodies (labor inspectorates, Suva, Health Promotion Switzerland, etc.) do excellent work. But without the natural mediation of the militiamen in the companies, their effectiveness would be significantly lower. With the individualization of society and the increasing demands in the world of work, the commitment of the militiamen is becoming less and less "natural" and the system is becoming weaker.

Public statement

For this reason, the Swiss Society for Occupational Safety (SGAS) and Suissepro (umbrella organization for health protection and occupational safety) - both of which are entrusted with public tasks - have drawn up a "Public Declaration" to preserve the militia system in Switzerland and promote its profit. Together with the social partners, companies are encouraged to offer framework conditions and working models that enable their specialists to become involved in health and safety at work in non-profit circles.

Win-win for entrepreneurs and their employees

To achieve this, large companies have a more favorable critical mass than small and medium-sized enterprises. For this reason, it is more difficult to convince the managing directors of SMEs. Nevertheless, dedicated, specialized militia members are an asset for companies of all sizes. SMEs can only gain by supporting this militia system. For the employer, the indirect benefits are numerous: image, social responsibility, visibility, network, knowledge, sector-specific solutions, customer loyalty and even integration. For the employee: "job enrichment", up-to-date knowledge, network, exchange of concrete experiences, mutual understanding, responsibility. A win-win situation that can be quantified for the company in the form of fewer absences, greater staff loyalty and higher employee motivation. A win-win situation, a mission that - if it were to disappear one day - would compromise occupational health and safety, which would severely weaken Switzerland as a business location and reduce industrial peace.

Sources and further information: www.sgas.ch/de/miliz; www.sgas.ch and www.suissepro.org

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/gesundheitsschutz-und-arbeitssicherheit-gefahr-im-verzug/