Switzerland - 2013

1.1 Description of OSH regulatory framework

2.1 Health and safety covers physical and psychological health

2.2 Definition of worker

• 2.2.1 Coverage of particular categories of workers

  Summary/citation: The law indicates some categories of workers who do not fall within its scope of application.

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 3)

  • 2.2.1.1 Migrant workers

    No data available.
    

  • 2.2.1.2 Domestic workers

    Summary/citation: Excluded.

    • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 3(f))

    Related CEACR Comments
    • Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) Direct Request 2021
    

  • 2.2.1.3 Home workers

    No data available.
    

  • 2.2.1.4 Self-employed persons

    No data available.
    

2.3 Definition of employer

2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity

• 2.4.1 Agriculture

  Summary/citation: Included.

• 2.4.2 Construction

  Summary/citation: Included.

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Safety Provisions (Building) Convention, 1937 (No. 62) Direct Request 2001
  

• 2.4.3 Services

  Summary/citation: Included.

• 2.4.4 Public sector

  Summary/citation: Included.

  Remarks / comments: Federal, cantonal and communal administrations fall under the scope of application of OSH provisions contained in the Labour Law (LTr) and the Order 3 on Hygiene (OLT3). Nevertheless, they are excluded from the scope of application of the rest of provisions contained in the Labour Law (LTr), according to Article 2(1)(a).

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§§ 2(1)(a), 3(a))

• 2.4.5 Other

  Summary/citation: OSH provisions contained in the Labour Law (LTr) are applicable also to the federal, cantonal and communal administrations, workers who are holding senior management positions, workers who carry out independent artistic activity or scientific activity, teachers in private schools, as well as teachers, social workers, educators and supervisors employed in institutions.

  Remarks / comments: Federal, cantonal and communal administrations, workers who are holding senior management positions, workers who carry out independent artistic activity or scientific activity, teachers in private schools, as well as teachers, social workers, educators and supervisors employed in institutions fall under the scope of application of OSH provisions contained in the Labour Law (LTr) and the Order 3 on Hygiene (OLT3). Nevertheless, they are excluded from the scope of application of the rest of provisions contained in the Labour Law (LTr), according to Article 3.

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 3(a))

2.5 Definition of occupational accident

2.6 Definition of occupational disease

• 2.6.1 List of occupational diseases

  Yes.
  

  • Ordonnance du 20 décembre 1982 sur l'assurance-accidents (OLAA). (Annexe I)

• 2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones

  Summary/citation: Diseases other than the established in the list of occupational diseases are deemed to be occupational when it is proved that they were caused exclusively or predominantly by the professional activity of the worker.

  • Loi fédérale du 20 mars 1981 sur l'assurance accidents (LAA). (§ 9(2))

3.1 Competent national authority for safety and health at work

• 3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary/citation: The Confederation exercises supervision on the execution of the Labour Law (LTr) and orders by the cantons. It has the power to give instructions to the cantonal enforcement authorities. The Confederation shall take further enforcement actions that the law places in its jurisdiction, and shall enforce the Labour Law (LTr) and orders in federal companies. These responsibilities are attributed to SECO when they are not expressly assigned to the Federal Council or to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER. In the exercise of its powers, SECO is empowered to dispose of federal labor inspections and the occupational health service. It may also require specialized inspections or experts.
  (Loi sur le travail, § 42)

  SECO is the service of the Confederation responsible for the protection of workers. SECO has the following functions:
  a. monitor and coordinate the implementation of the law by the Cantons and ensure consistency in the application of the law;
  b. provide continuous education and professional development of the enforcement authorities;
  c. advise and inform the cantonal enforcement authorities, employers 'and workers' associations on the enforcement of the law and orders, on the one hand, and other organizations on general issues relating to the protection of workers, on the other hand;
  d. provide information on the protection of workers;
  e. provide specialists and infrastructure needed to study and solve complex problems and situations;
  f. study the issues and matters relating to the specific protection of workers, and solve problems of a general nature;
  g. contribute to the promotion and research on occupational health;
  h. manage public relations and international contacts in the field of protection of workers;
  i. enforce the law and orders in the enterprises and the public federal institutions;
  j. apply the procedure for approval of plans pursuant to Articles 7 and 8 of the Labour Law.
  (Ordonnance 1 relative à la loi sur le travail, § 75)

  • Ordonnance 1 du 10 mai 2000 relative à la loi sur le travail (OLT 1). (§ 75)

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 42)

• 3.1.2 Chairperson and composition

  No data available.
  

3.2 National OSH research programme or institute

• 3.2.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  No data available.
  

• 3.2.2 Governance board constitution and chairmanship

  No data available.
  

• 3.2.3 Source of funding

  No data available.
  

3.3 National OSH programme

• 3.3.1 Consultation on the national OSH programme

  No data available.
  

4.1 Duty to ensure the health and safety of employees

4.2 Duty to protect the health and safety of people other than their own employees

4.3 Collaboration among two or more employers at the same workplace

4.4 Surveillance of workers’ health in relation to work

• 4.4.1 Specific hazards for which surveillance is required

  No data available.
  

4.5 Surveillance of the working environment and working practices

4.6 Duty to provide personal protective equipment

4.7 Duty to ensure the usage of personal protective equipment

4.8 Duty to provide first-aid and welfare facilities

• 4.8.1 Arrangements for first-aid

  Summary / Citation: The necessary equipment for first aid must be available at any time, taking into account the dangers that might arise from the activity of the company. First aid equipment must be easily accessible and be available in all working places where working conditions require it.

  In cases it is needed, nursing room will be set in a convenient location and adequately equipped. They must be assisted by qualified nursing staff. Premises used for nursing rooms must be easily accessible with stretchers.

  First aid equipment and material must be clearly marked.
  

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 37)

• 4.8.2 Sanitary installations

  Summary / Citation: The changing rooms, sanitary installations, rest room and nursing room must be kept in irreproachable hygiene.

  The sanitary installations including toilets, showers and lavabo, and the locker rooms will be separate for men and women.

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 29)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 1994
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2004
  

• 4.8.3 Drinking water

  Summary / Citation: Drinking water will be made available next to the workplace. When working conditions requires it, workers must be able to get other non alcoholic beverage.

  Drinking water and non alcoholic beverages will be distributed following provisions on hygiene.

  The employer might limit or ban the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 36)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 1994
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2004
  

• 4.8.4 Rest and eating areas

  Summary / Citation: Whenever it is necessary, and especially, when workers follow night shifts or work in teams, they must dispose of adequate and calm dining and rest rooms. These installations must have access to natural light and be separated from the workplaces.

  If the organization of the work requires workers to stay at the workplace also during the breaks, adequate seats must be provided.

  If necessary, rest areas must be arranged.

  In case workers must provide a permanent service at the workplace and there are not rest areas, other places must be arranged for workers to have rest.
  

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 33)

5.1 Elements of an OSH management system

• 5.1.1 Policy or plan specifying responsibilities and arrangements for health and safety

  Summary/citation: Any industrial company is required to implement a company regulation.
  The establishment of a company internal regulation could be required by means of a Order for non industrial companies when the nature of the business or the number of workers justify it.
  The rest of non-industrial enterprises may voluntarily establish an internal company regulation.

  The company regulation shall contain provisions on the protection of health and prevention of accidents and, when necessary, it may also contain provisions regarding the internal order and the behavior of workers in the company; disciplinary sanctions may be imposed only when they are contained in the company regulation.
  

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 38)

• 5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety

  Summary/citation: The employer is responsible for hygiene matters in the company and can delegate specific OSH responsibilities to competent workers if necessary. These workers must not suffer any prejudice due to the designated OSH duties.
  When the employer assigns OSH responsibilities to workers, the employer must provide them with an appropriate training and give them clear instructions. The time invested in OSH training and development is usually considered working time.
  

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 7)

• 5.1.3 Written risk assessment

  No data available.
  

• 5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures

  Summary/citation: The employer must ensure that measures preserving hygiene are effective. The employer is under a duty to monitor them at appropriate intervals and to adapt them to the new working conditions in case of remodeling buildings, premises and technical equipment, or when using new products in the company.

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§§ 3(1),2)

• 5.1.5 Training and information on risks

  Summary/citation: The employer must ensure that all workers in the enterprise, including those of a third company, are informed and sufficiently trained regarding the risks they face when carrying out their tasks, and regarding the hygiene measures taken to prevent those risks. This training must be provided at the moment of engagement and whenever the working conditions are modified, and must be repeated if necessary.

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 5 )

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§ 6)

• 5.1.6 Review or assessment of the results of preventive measures

  Summary/citation: The employer must ensure that measures preserving hygiene are effective. The employer is under a duty to monitor them at appropriate intervals and to adapt them to the new working conditions in case of remodeling buildings, premises and technical equipment, or when using new products in the company.

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§§ 3(1),2)

• 5.1.7 Consultation with workers in health and safety

  Summary/citation: Workers or their representatives within the company must be consulted sufficiently in advanced and globally regarding all matters concerning hygiene. They have the right to make proposals.

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 6(1))

5.2 Obligation to implement a specific OSH management system or standard

6.1 OSH competence

• 6.1.1 Requirement to access expert advice and/or support in health and safety

  Summary / Citation: Authorities may request the employer to submit a report with technical expertise when there are serious reasons to doubt that the hygiene requirements are respected.

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 4)

  • 6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services

    Summary / Citation: The following professionals are considered occupational safety specialists and shall meet the requirements set by Order of 25 November 1996 on the qualifications of occupational safety specialists: physicians, work hygienist, safety engineers and safety officers.

    • Ordonnance du 25 novembre 1996 sur les qualifications des spécialistes de la sécurité au travail.

    • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§ 11(d))

6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner

• 6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners

  Summary/citation: The obligation to hire safety specialists depends among others on the number of persons employed.

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§ 11(a)(b))

7.1 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own safety and health

7.2 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.3 Supervisors’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.4 Senior officers’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.5 Self-employed persons’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own and other people’s health and safety

7.6 Duty to comply with OSH-related requirements

7.7 Right to enquire about risks and preventive measures

7.8 Right to remove themselves from a dangerous situation

7.9 Right to be reassigned to non-hazard work

• 7.9.1 Right to withdraw with compensation when workers are not reassigned to non-hazard work

  Summary / Citation: The enforcement bodies can withdraw workers particularly exposed to occupational accidents and diseases from hazardous work. The Federal Council determines the compensation to be paid to withdrawn workers who, following their exclusion from the activity they held previously, suffer a significant harm and are not eligible for other insurance benefits.

  • Loi fédérale du 20 mars 1981 sur l'assurance accidents (LAA). (§ 84(2))

8.1 National OSH committee, commission, council or similar body

• 8.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary / Citation: The Federal Labour Commission advises the federal authorities on matters of legislation and enforcement and it can make recommendations.

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 43)

• 8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities

  Summary / Citation: 1. The Federal Labour Commission consists of 19 members, including:
  a. two representatives of cantons;
  b. two representatives of the scientific community;
  c. seven representatives of employers' associations, and seven representatives of workers' associations;
  d. one representative of women associations.

  2. The director of the Labour Department of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs or the deputy shall preside the Commission.

  3. The members of the commission are appointed for the period administrative applicable aux federal authorities.

  4. The Committee may establish sub-committees and issue competitions in order to select experts to address specific questions.

  5. The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Training and Research shall approve the rules of procedure in agreement with the Commission.
  

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 81)

8.2 Employers’ duty to consult workers on risks

8.3 Workers’ right to select their representatives for health and safety matters

• 8.3.1 Workforce size conditions for workers’ representation in health and safety

  No data available.
  

• 8.3.2 Conditions of eligibility to represent workers in health and safety

  No data available.
  

8.4 OSH representatives’ functions, rights and powers

• 8.4.1 Right to inspect the workplace

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.2 Right to access OSH information

  Summary / Citation: The employer must inform workers and their representatives about requirements set by the competent OSH authorities.

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 6(2))

• 8.4.3 Right to be present at interviews

  Yes.
  

• 8.4.4 Right to receive professional assistance from OSH experts

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.5 Right to accompany inspectors

  Summary / Citation: At the workers request, they or their representatives in the company must be involved in an appropriate manner in investigations and visits to the company made by the authorities.
  (Ordonnance no 3 relative à la loi sur le travail, § 6(2))

  The employer must inform workers or their representatives in the undertaking in advance about the visits of the enforcement authorities and allow them to participate in the surveys or visits of the authorities, even when they are unannounced. The employer shall inform the workers or their representatives about the instructions given by the authority.
  (Ordonnance 1 relative à la loi sur le travail, § 71)

  Workers or their representatives at their request must be involved in an appropriate way in visits and investigations carried out by the competent enforcement bodies.
  (Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles, § 61(2))

  • Ordonnance 1 du 10 mai 2000 relative à la loi sur le travail (OLT 1). (§ 71)

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 6(2))

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§ 61(2))

• 8.4.6 Right to use facilities

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.7 Right to have time off work with pay to perform duties

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.8 Right to issue remedial notices

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.9 Right to resolve OSH issues in consultation with employers

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.10 Right to direct that dangerous work cease

  No data available.
  

8.5 Right of workers’ representatives from outside the undertaking to address OSH issues at the workplace

• 8.5.1 Right to enter the workplace

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.2 Right to investigate suspected non-compliance with OSH legislation

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.3 Right to consult with workers

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.4 Right to advise workers

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.5 Right to initiate enforcement action

  No data available.
  

8.6 Joint OSH Committee

• 8.6.1 Participation of workers’ representatives in joint OSH committee

  No data available.
  

• 8.6.2 Conditions for establishing a joint OSH committee

  No data available.
  

• 8.6.3 Objectives, roles and/or functions of joint OSH committees

  No data available.
  

• 8.6.4 Keeping record of the work of joint OSH committees

  No data available.
  

• 8.6.5 Sharing the minutes of joint OSH committees meetings

  No data available.
  

8.7 Mandatory training for members of joint OSH committee(s)

8.8 Protection against reprisals

8.9 Immunity from civil and criminal liability for exercising OSH related rights and duties

9.1 Biological hazards

9.2 Chemical hazards

• 9.2.1 Handling, storage, labelling and use

  Summary / Citation: Employers who use hazardous substances or preparations that can endanger the life or health of persons due to physicochemical or toxic effects, shall take all necessary measures to protect the life and health of workers.
  Companies and educational institutions in which substances or preparations are used for professional or commercial purposes, shall appoint a person who will be responsible to ensure that the use of those substances is in alignment with the Law and to provide the enforcement authorities all necessary information. This person must have the necessary qualifications in technical operations and exploitation and his/her name must be communicated to the cantonal authorities.
  The Law covers handling, storage, labelling and use.
  (Loi sur les produits chimiques, §§ 3,25)

  There is a specific Order on the protection against hazardous substances.
  (Ordonnance du 18 mai 2005 sur la protection contre les substances et les préparations dangereuses)

  There is also a specific Order on the technical measures for prevention of professional diseases caused by chemicals.
  (Ordonnance du Département fédéral de l'intérieur du 26 décembre 1960 concernant les mesures techniques pour la prévention des maladies professionnelles provoquées par des substances chimiques)
  

  • Ordonnance du 18 mai 2005 sur la protection contre les substances et les préparations dangereuses (Ordonnance sur les produits chimiques, OChim).

  • Loi fédérale du 15 décembre 2000 sur la protection contre les substances et les préparations dangereuses (Loi sur les produits chimiques, LChim). (§§ 3,25)

  • Ordonnance du Département fédéral de l'intérieur du 26 décembre 1960 concernant les mesures techniques pour la prévention des maladies professionnelles provoquées par des substances chimiques.

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 1992
  

• 9.2.2 Duty of manufacturers, suppliers and importers of chemicals in relation to the safety and health of users

  Summary / Citation: The person who places into the market a substance or preparation must inform purchasers and users about its properties and hazards to health, and precautionary protection measures that must be taken. The Federal Council shall issue regulations on the content and scope, including the delivery and the content of a technical security sheet.
  (Loi sur les produits chimiques)

  There is a specific Order on the protection against hazardous substances.
  (Ordonnance du 18 mai 2005 sur la protection contre les substances et les préparations dangereuses (Ordonnance sur les produits chimiques, OChim)

  • Ordonnance du 18 mai 2005 sur la protection contre les substances et les préparations dangereuses (Ordonnance sur les produits chimiques, OChim).

  • Loi fédérale du 15 décembre 2000 sur la protection contre les substances et les préparations dangereuses (Loi sur les produits chimiques, LChim). (§ 7)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 1992
  

• 9.2.3 Pesticides

  Yes.
  

  • Ordonnance du DFI relative au permis pour l’emploi des pesticides en général

9.3 Ergonomic hazards

9.4 Physical hazards

• 9.4.1 Ionising radiation

  Summary / Citation: All protective measures must be taken when using radioactive substances or work equipment emitting ionising radiation, as well as in case of exposure to hazardous non-ionising radiation.
  (Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA), § 45)

  There is a specific law on protection from radiation.
  (Loi sur la radioprotection (LRaP)

  • Loi sur la radioprotection (LRaP).

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§ 45)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) Observation 1997
  • Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) Direct Request 2009
  

• 9.4.2 Vibration and noise

  Summary / Citation: Noise and vibration should be avoided.
  In order to protect workers, it is particularly important to:
  a. take the necessary measures in the construction industry,
  b. take the necessary measures in the work installations,
  c. take the necessary measures for acoustic insulation and isolation of noise sources,
  d. take measures for the organization of labor.
  (Ordonnance no 3 relative à la loi sur le travail, § 22)

  Buildings and parts of buildings, work equipment and work processes and production must be designed and implemented in such a way so that noise or vibration does not affect the health or safety of workers.
  (Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles, § 34)
  

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 22)

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§ 34)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 1994
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2004
  

• 9.4.3 Working at height

  Summary / Citation: Fixed ladders shall be designed and arranged so that they can be used safely. If the height is important, they must be provided with dorsal protection and, if necessary, intermediate bearings or a guardrail (§ 18).

  In order to prevent the persons, objects, vehicles and materials falling from windows, openings in the walls and soil, staircases and landings without sides, galleries, bridges, gateways, platforms, workstations located above the ground, open channels, reservoirs and similar locations, these will be equipped with railings or balustrades (§ 21).
  

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§§ 18,21)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Safety Provisions (Building) Convention, 1937 (No. 62) Direct Request 2001
  

• 9.4.4 Working in confined spaces

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.5 Risks arising from poor maintenance of workplace facilities

  Summary / Citation: Workstations and accessories premises shall be maintained clean as to ensure safety and health of workers.
  During maintenance and cleaning, all necessary protective measures must be taken. Facilities, equipment, tools and other resources needed for the maintenance and cleaning must be available.
  The waste will be safely removed and stored without exposing workers to any dangers.

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§ 37)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 1994
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2004
  

• 9.4.6 Exposure to extreme temperatures

  Summary / Citation: All rooms shall be adequately ventilated, either naturally or artificially depending on their use.
  Space temperature, air speed and humidity must be calculated and set in relation to each other so that the workplace acclimatization is adapted to the nature of work and it is not detrimental to health.

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 16)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 1994
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2004
  

• 9.4.7 Fire risks

  Summary / Citation: In companies where a risk of an explosion or fire exists, the necessary measures must be taken to protect workers from these dangers.
  It is forbidden to use ignition sources in areas exposed to a particular danger of explosion or fire. At all accesses visible posters must warn about the danger and feature a smoking ban sign. If the use of ignition sources cannot be avoided, necessary measures must be taken to prevent fire or explosions.
  Appropriate measures shall be taken to prevent ignition sources from accessing areas where there is a risk of explosion or fire. (§ 36)

  Alarm devices and equipment against fire must be easily accessible, visible and ready for use.
  Workers must be instructed at suitable intervals, generally during working hours, on the protocol to be followed in case of fire. (§ 40)
  

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§§ 36,40)

• 9.4.8 Tobacco

  Summary / Citation: There is a specific Law and Order governing the protection against passive smoking in areas closed to the public and workplaces.

  • Ordonnance sur la protection contre le tabagisme passif

  • Loi fédérale sur la protection contre le tabagisme passif

• 9.4.9 Asbestos

  Summary / Citation: Work clothes and personal protection equipment exposed to substances particularly harmful as asbestos shall not lead to contamination outside the work area. They must appropriately be cleaned and eliminated.

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§ 38(3))

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) Observation 2005
  • Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) Direct Request 2014
  

• 9.4.10 Risks related to nanotechnology

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.11 Contraction of HIV in the workplace

  No data available.
  

9.5 Psychosocial hazards

• 9.5.1 Psychosocial risks

  No data available.
  

• 9.5.2 Occupational violence

  Summary / Citation: The employer has the legal obligation to take all measures that experience has demonstrated to be necessary to protect the health of workers. The employer must take all necessary measures to protect the personal integrity of workers.
  (Loi sur travail, § 6(1))

  Discrimination at the workplace on the basis of sex, whether directly or indirectly, including on the basis of marital status, family situation or, in the case of female employees, of pregnancy and through sexual harassment is forbidden by law.
  (Loi sur légalité)

  Remarks / comments: The Labour Law obliges the employer to take the necessary measures to protect the personal integrity of the employees. Attacks on personal integrity include all forms of discrimination, whether based on race, religion, or gender, such as sexual harassment, as well as the perpetration or threat of violence. Mobbing is a form of heavy psychological violence and may cause health problems. Attacks on personal integrity also affect the climate of the company and its productivity. Managers can do much to protect the personal integrity, using relatively simple means of prevention. The main element is the adoption by the direction of a clear stance against these attacks and the provision of information regarding persons and bodies victims can turn to for support in the event of an incident or conflict. For more information please see http://www.seco.admin.ch/themen/00385/02747/02752/index.html?lang=fr

  • Loi fédérale du 24 mars 1995 sur l'égalité entre femmes et hommes (Loi sur l'égalité, LEg).

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 6(1))

9.6 Other hazardous substances

9.7 Machineries

• 9.7.1 Risks related to machinery and tools

  Summary / Citation: If buildings, premises or work equipment (machines, equipment, tools or installations), work processes are changed, or new materials are used in the company, the employer must adapt the protection measures and facilities to new conditions (§ 3(3)).

  In order to prevent the persons, objects, vehicles and materials falling from windows, openings in the walls and soil, staircases and landings without sides, galleries, bridges, gateways, platforms, workstations located above the ground, open channels, reservoirs and similar locations, these will be equipped with railings or balustrades (§ 24).

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§§ 3(3),24)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Direct Request 1997
  

• 9.7.2 Duty of designers and/or manufacturers of machineries in relation to the occupational safety and health of operators of machineries

  Summary / Citation: There is a specific Order on the safe use of machines which provides for requirements to be met before placing onto the market a machine.

  • Ordonnance du 2 avril 2008 sur la sécurité des machines
  (Ordonnance sur les machines, OMach).

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Direct Request 1997
  

• 9.7.3 Duty of designers, manufacturers, importers or suppliers of machineries to provide machineries information

  No data available.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Direct Request 1997
  

• 9.7.4 Duty to purchase machineries from authorised/certificated suppliers or only if approved/certificated

  No data available.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Direct Request 1997
  

• 9.7.5 Maintenance of machinery and equipment

  No data available.
  

  • 9.7.5.1 List of equipment where applicable

    No data available.
    

9.8 Provisions to protect workers in specific condition of vulnerability

• 9.8.1 Protection of pregnancy at work

  Summary / Citation: The employer must engage pregnant and lactating workers so as that their health and the health of the child are not compromised and manage their working conditions accordingly.
  The Regulation governing OSH may prohibit, for health reasons, the engagement of pregnant lactating workers in heavy or dangerous works, or impose special conditions.
  Pregnant and lactating workers that cannot be engaged in certain activities for health reasons are entitled to 80% of their salary, including fair compensation for loss of wages, when no equivalent work may be offered to them.
  (Loi sur travail, § 35)

  Pregnant and lactating workers must be able to lie and rest at the workplace in adequate conditions.
  (Ordonnace no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail, § 34)

  The legislation provides for a number of protective measures for pregnant and lactating workers to be put in place by the employer.
  (Ordonnance 1 relative à la loi sur le travail, Chapitre 5)

  There is a specific order regulating the analysis and assessment of hazardous activities for pregnant and lactating workers.
  (Ordonnance sur la protection de la maternité)
  

  • Ordonnance du DFE du 20 mars 2001 sur les activités dangereuses ou pénibles en cas de grossesse et de maternité (Ordonnance sur la protection de la maternité).

  • Ordonnance 1 du 10 mai 2000 relative à la loi sur le travail (OLT 1). (Chapitre 5)

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 34)

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 35)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 1992
  

• 9.8.2 Protection of lactating women at work

  Summary / Citation: The employer must engage pregnant and lactating workers so as that their health and the health of the child are not compromised and manage their working conditions accordingly.
  The Regulation governing OSH may prohibit, for health reasons, the engagement of pregnant lactating workers in heavy or dangerous works, or impose special conditions.
  Pregnant and lactating workers that cannot be engaged in certain activities for health reasons are entitled to 80% of their salary, including fair compensation for loss of wages, when no equivalent work may be offered to them.
  (Loi sur travail, § 35)

  Pregnant and lactating workers must be able to lie and rest at the workplace in adequate conditions.
  (Ordonnace no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail, § 34)

  The legislation provides for a number of protective measures for pregnant and lactating workers to be put in place by the employer.
  (Ordonnance 1 relative à la loi sur le travail, Chapitre 5)

  There is a specific order regulating the analysis and assessment of hazardous activities for pregnant and lactating workers.
  (Ordonnance sur la protection de la maternité)

  • Ordonnance du DFE du 20 mars 2001 sur les activités dangereuses ou pénibles en cas de grossesse et de maternité (Ordonnance sur la protection de la maternité).

  • Ordonnance 1 du 10 mai 2000 relative à la loi sur le travail (OLT 1). (Chapitre 5)

  • Ordonnance no 3 du 18 août 1993 relative à la loi sur le travail (Hygiène, OLT 3) (§ 34)

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 35)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 1992
  

• 9.8.3 Limits to women’s access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts

  Summary / Citation: It is forbidden to engage pregnant and lactating women in activities which can be dangerous or heavy unless effective protective measures can be taken to avoid the risks to the health the work involves. Dangerous or heavy work refer to any activity which may cause harm to the health of the women or her children. In this regard, the following activities are defined as dangerous:

  a. manual movement of heavy loads;
  b. tasks requiring movements or postures causing fatigue;
  c. work involving the impact of shocks, jolts or vibrations;
  d. work involving pressure, as the work chamber compression, diving, etc..;
  e. work exposing to cold, heat or humidity;
  f. activities subject to the effects of harmful radiation or noise;
  g. activities subject to the effects of harmful substances or micro-organisms;
  h. work based on a system of organization of working time which has shown strong constraints.

  It is prohibited to employ women in underground construction projects, except for:
  a. scientific activities;
  b. acts of first aid or emergency medical care;
  c. brief interventions as part of a vocational training or
  d. brief and non-manual interventions.
  

  • Ordonnance 1 du 10 mai 2000 relative à la loi sur le travail (OLT 1). (§§ 62,65,66)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45) Direct Request 2005
  

• 9.8.4 Limits to workers’ access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts by reason of age

  Summary / Citation: It is prohibited to employ young people under the age of fifteen. The Order 5 on the protection of young people determines the business or employment categories and the conditions for:
  a. young people over the age of thirteen in order to be allowed to perform light work;
  b. young people under the age of fifteen in order to be allowed to work in the cultural, artistic, sport and advertisement sectors.
  Young people living in cantons where compulsory education concludes under the age of fifteen may be authorized to work by Order and subject to special conditions from the age of fourteen onwards.
  (Loi sur le travail, § 30)

  There is a specific Order defining and listing works which are considered hazardous for young people.
  (Ordonnance sur les traveaux dangereux pour les jeunes)

  • Ordonnance du DFE du 4 décembre 2007 sur les travaux dangereux pour les jeunes. (§ 1)

  • Ordonnance 5 du 28 septembre 2007 relative à la loi sur le travail (Ordonnance sur la protection des jeunes travailleurs, OLT 5).

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 30)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Direct Request 2011
  

10.1 Duty to record and/or investigate the causes of work accidents, near misses incidents and cases of occupational diseases

• 10.1.1 Work-related accidents

  No data available.
  

• 10.1.2 Near miss incidents

  No data available.
  

• 10.1.3 Occupational diseases

  No data available.
  

10.2 Employers’ duty to notify OSH authorities of work related death and/or injuries to health

11.1 Appointment of OSH inspectors

11.2 OSH inspectors’ powers

• 11.2.1 Power to enter workplaces

  Summary / Citation: The employer is under the obligation to allow the supervising authorities to access the workplace.

  Enforcement and supervisory bodies are empowered to interview the employer, as well as privately the workers, on the application of the law, orders and official decisions.

  • Ordonnance 1 du 10 mai 2000 relative à la loi sur le travail (OLT 1). (§ 72)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2013
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.2.2 Power to inspect and carry out any examination, test or enquiry

  Summary / Citation: Inspections can take place with or without notice. The employer is required to allow the competent enforcement bodies to access all work premises, conduct inspections and gather evidence during working hours and at any time in case of emergency.

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA).

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2013
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.2.3 Power to investigate

  No data available.
  

• 11.2.4 Duty to provide advice on OSH

  Summary / Citation: Enforcement bodies shall adequately inform employers and workers or their representatives about their obligations and rights in terms of occupational safety.
  The employer has the right to seek advice from the relevant enforcement body on the safety measures that must be taken.
  

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§ 60)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2013
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

11.3 OSH inspectors’ enforcement powers

• 11.3.1 Power to issue orders or notices

  Summary / Citation: If the inspection reveals infringement of safety requirements, the relevant enforcement body shall draw the attention of the employer to the failure and shall set a reasonable time for the employer to address and remedy the infringement. This notice must be confirmed in writing to the employer.
  In case of emergency, the enforcement body shall waive the notice and issue a decision. If provisional measures are necessary, it shall be notified to the cantonal judicial authority.

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§ 62)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2013
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.3.2 Power to impose financial penalties

  No data available.
  

• 11.3.3 Power to revoke or suspend licenses or authorisations

  Summary / Citation: If an employer does not comply with the decision issued by the enforcement authorities, they may, if necessary and with the assistance of the cantonal authority take the necessary measures in order to restore the legal order.

  • Ordonnance sur la prévention des accidents et des maladies professionnelles (OPA). (§ 67)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2013
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.3.4 Power to require the cessation of dangerous work

  No data available.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2013
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.3.5 Power to initiate prosecutions

  No data available.
  

• 11.3.6 Power to conduct prosecutions

  No data available.
  

• 11.3.7 Other enforcement powers

  No data available.
  

11.4 Application of sanctions by courts

• 11.4.1 Financial penalties for legal persons

  Summary / Citation: The employer who using false or incomplete information or by other means has not complied with the obligation to pay insurance or retained premiums from the wages of workers, the executive body which has violated its obligations, including that of secrecy or has abused of its position to the detriment of a third party in order to obtain a benefit or to provide to a third party an improper advantage, the employer who has violated intentionally or negligently the requirements on the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, the worker who has intentionally violated OSH requirements or acted negligently and seriously endangered others shall be punished with imprisonment for six months or a fine, unless they commit a crime or an offense punished with a more serious punishment foreseen by the Suisse Penal Code.
  (Loi fédérale du 20 mars 1981 sur l'assurance accidents, § 112)

  The person who in violation of the obligation to inform provided inaccurate information or refused to provide information, did not meet the prescribed forms or the worker who infringed the provisions on prevention of accidents and occupational diseases without endangering other people, if acted intentionally, shall be punished with a detention or a fine. If the person has acted negligently he/she shall be liable to a fine.
  (Loi fédérale du 20 mars 1981 sur l'assurance accidents, § 113)

  The employer who violates the provisions relating to the protection of health and approval of plans intentionally or negligently shall be punished.
  (Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce, § 59(1)(a)).

  The worker who intentionally, or negligently if it seriously endangers other persons, violates the requirements relating to the protection of health shall be punished.
  (Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce, § 60)

  • Loi fédérale du 20 mars 1981 sur l'assurance accidents (LAA). (§§ 112-113)

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§§ 59(1)(a), 60)

• 11.4.2 Financial penalties for natural persons

  Summary / Citation: When an offense is committed by management body of a legal person (corporations), criminal provisions apply to individuals who have committed the act.

  • Loi fédérale sur le droit pénal administratif (§ 107(2))

• 11.4.3 Non-financial sanctions

  No data available.
  

• 11.4.4 Criminal liability

  Summary / Citation: The employer shall be imposed maximum 180-day fine.
  The worker shall be imposed a fine.
  

  • Loi fédérale du 13 mars 1964 sur le travail dans l'industrie, l'artisanat et le commerce. (Loi sur le travail) (§ 61)

• 11.4.5 Terms of imprisonment for natural persons

  Summary / Citation: Maximum: 3 years

  • Code pénal suisse du 21 décembre 1937. (§ 117)