Implementation bodies
The implementation bodies execute the provisions on the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, while acting in accordance with their statutory duties and the FCOS mandate. The implementation bodies are Suva, the cantonal labour inspectorates, the Federal Labour Inspectorate SECO and various specialist organisations. The implementation bodies are authorised to order measures to prevent occupational accidents and diseases.
Suva
Suva is entrusted with the enforcement of the Accident Insurance Act in companies with special hazards (Art. 49 Para. 1 APO) and for defined work equipment (Art. 49 Para. 2 APO).
This is the case, for example, for companies in the construction, finishing, building envelope, timber, chemical, machinery, metal and watchmaking industries, as well as transport companies.
Suva supervises the application of the provisions on the prevention of occupational diseases in all companies (Art. 50 Para. 1 APO). It is also responsible for occupational health screening.
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)’s Working Conditions Division is responsible for enforcing the Accident Insurance Act in federal enterprises in cases that do not fall under Suva’s purview. (Art. 48 Para. 3 APO).
The division is also responsible for supervisory and enforcement tasks in the following areas:
- Occupational health protection, in accordance with the Employment Act (ArG).
- Occupational health protection as part of the various procedures, in accordance with the Chemicals Act (ChemG).
- Safety of technical equipment and devices, in accordance with the Product Safety Act (PrSG)
Cantons
The 26 cantonal labour inspectorates are responsible for enforcing the Accident Insurance Act in companies in cases that cases that do not fall under the purview of another implementation body (Art. 47 APO). Each canton is independent in this matter.
In addition, the cantonal labour inspectorates also fulfil other tasks in the enforcement of federal decrees, cantonal laws and ordinances. They are responsible for enforcing the Employment Act. This includes the authorisation of conversions and new buildings for certain types of business, the monitoring of general health and safety regulations, work and rest period regulations, and special protection for young and pregnant/breastfeeding employees.
The cantonal labour inspectorates of Switzerland and the labour inspectorate of the Principality of Liechtenstein have joined forces in the Intercantonal Association for the Protection of Employees (IVA). It represents and supports the cantonal labour inspectorates in the further development of the legal framework and coordinates the implementation of the legal basis in the cantons. It represents the interests of its members on various committees, including in FCOS.
You can find the contact details for the cantonal labour inspectorates here.
Specialist organisations
For implementation tasks that require specialised expertise, FCOS has Commissioned six specialist organisations. They are involved in the development of the regulations and assume the role of an implementation body in their own area of expertise.