[The new law on occupational safety]

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety Law
• Social Insurance Policy
• Workplace Regulation

Context:

• The Swiss Federal Parliament passed a new accident insurance law on March 20, 1981.
• This law replaced existing sickness and accident insurance provisions, effective January 1, 1983.
• It addresses revised regulations for work safety applicable to all employers and employees.

Purpose:

• To establish comprehensive revised regulations for work safety.
• To extend the obligations of employers and employees in improving workplace safety.
• To define the roles and responsibilities of regulatory bodies and ensure uniform safety standards.

Summary:

• The new Swiss accident insurance law mandates updated work safety regulations for all employers and employees.
• It expands employer and employee duties regarding workplace safety enhancements.
• The Federal Council will define the scope of the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund and inspectorates, with a coordination commission ensuring consistent application of safety rules.

Impact:

• Enhanced legal framework for workplace safety across Switzerland.
• Clearer delineation of financial responsibility for work safety through premium adjustments.
• Improved coordination among executive bodies for uniform safety regulation enforcement.