New measures aim to improve building site safety

The government has announced measures aimed at increasing safety on building sites. It follows a report by the Swiss Construction Workers Union suggesting that one-in-four workers fall victim to an accident on a building site.

The government has announced measures aimed at increasing safety on building sites. The announcement comes one month after the Swiss Construction Workers Union released figures suggesting that one-in-four workers fall victim to an accident on a building site.

The new legislation, which is due to come into effect in July, replaces regulations in force since 1967 and judged inadequate for modern needs. Under the new rules, workplace health and safety concerns must be incorporated into the planning stage.

Every building site will require a designated safety officer. Employers will be obliged to take action against workers who jeopardize either their own safety or that of their colleagues.

The new regulations reflect increasing concerns that the upturn in the economy could actually worsen the safety situation, with more building sites around the country and companies under pressure to meet the needs of ever more demanding customers.

swissinfo and agencies