Health protection and occupational safety: imminent danger
The militia system is a supporting pillar for the functioning of Switzerland. But this system is beginning to falter: Fewer and fewer people are willing to take on militia tasks for the benefit of authorities or associations. Especially in the areas of health protection and occupational safety, this development is fatal, as their leading professional associations SGAS and Suissepro state in a public statement.
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 associational life. Authorities and public bodies, the army, organizations, associations, the media, etc.: The militia system strengthens confidence in our decision-makers in all these areas, provided they remain realistic and do not join the ranks of the "technocrats who are out of touch with reality".
Occupational safety and health protection lose touch with the grass roots
Mutual understanding and the exchange of experience and scientific knowledge are crucial everywhere, so also in the field 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 much lower. With the individualization of society and the increasing demands in the world of work, the commitment of the militiamen becomes less and less "natural" and the system weakens.
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 duties - 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 professionals to engage in health protection and occupational safety 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 CEOs of SMEs. Nevertheless, dedicated, specialized militia members are an asset to 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, industry-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 terms of fewer absences, greater staff loyalty, and higher employee motivation. A win-win situation, a mission that - should it one day cease to exist - 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
