Andre-Biollat, M; Guillemin, MP; Savolainen, H
The current state and practice of occupational health in Switzerland was reviewed. Demographic characteristics of the Swiss workforce were summarized. Switzerland had a population of 7 million (M), of whom approximately 18% were foreigners. Data for 1995 show that 3.8M persons were gainfully employed, of whom 4.1% work in the primary sector, including agriculture and forestry. The secondary sector contains 28.9% of the workforce, including service industries, arts and crafts, and trades. Sixty seven percent of the workforce was employed in the tertiary sector which included the service industries, transportation, tourism, and banking. Data on the occurrence of occupational injuries and diseases in Switzerland were summarized. A total of 445 injuries occurred in the Swiss workforce in 1994. The largest number, 244, occurred in agriculture. A total of 4,509 occupational diseases received compensation in 1995. Musculoskeletal disorders and skin problems were the two most frequently compensated diseases, accounting for 42 and 25% of the total, respectively. Occupational safety and health legislation in Switzerland was discussed. Swiss occupational health and safety legislation is embodied primarily in two laws: the Accident Insurance Act (AIA) and the Work Act (WA). The AIA handles compensation for and prevention of accidents and occupational diseases. WA addresses general occupational health and hygiene problems. Various insurers have the responsibility for providing compensation under the AIA. Preventive aspects of the AIA are enforced by the Swiss National Accidents Insurance Organization (SUVA). SUVA was responsible for periodically issuing a list of legally permissible exposure limits. Occupational health at the individual facility and industry level was discussed. Until 1993, no occupational health or safety services were required in Swiss companies. All firms were required to do a census of existing hazards and risk analysis. In the absence of occupational health services, SUVA may require mandatory medical examinations for workers exposed to risks from hazardous exposures such as asbestos (1332214), silica (14808607), heavy metals, radiation, or chemical mixtures. Professional associations and research activities, education and training for occupational health and safety personnel, and future prospects were discussed.