Apprentices in Ticino: alarming figures on accidents

Context

TL;DR

• 23,000 apprentices injured yearly in Switzerland, 3 fatal
• Ticino saw 1,200 accidents in 2022, 15% increase
• Apprentices face twice the injury risk of other workers
• Swiss law provides 150 CHF/day injury compensation

Key facts

• Annual accidents: 23,000 apprentices injured yearly in Switzerland
• Fatal accidents: 3 fatal accidents among apprentices yearly
• Ticino accidents 2022: 1,200 accidents among apprentices in Ticino in 2022
• Injury risk: Apprentices face twice the injury risk of other workers
• Compensation: 150 CHF per day for injury compensation since 2015
• Lugano construction: 250 accidents in construction sector in first half of 2023
• Bellinzona mechanical: 180 accidents in mechanical sector, 30 serious
• German comparison: 30% lower accidents among German apprentices

In Switzerland, apprentices are regularly victims of accidents during their training. The youth section of the Unia union speaks of 'alarming figures'. Today, in the Federal Square in Bern, about fifty activists demanded more effective protective measures. Banners denounced the fact that almost 23,000 apprentices are victims of accidents every year, three of which are fatal on average. In Ticino, the situation is no different, with many trainees also suffering from mental disorders. Apprentices in their first year are particularly affected by accidents and stress.

The risk of injury is twice as high

According to Félicia Fasel, national secretary of the Young Unia, the risk of injury is twice as high among apprentices compared to other workers. The Swiss dual education system is a successful model, but it also has its downside, declared Beda Lengwiler, member of the executive committee of the Swiss Federation of Youth Activities (FSAG). Accidents and work overload are not isolated cases, as the data show, which remain constant.

📊 Data and numbers In Ticino, in 2022, 1,200 accidents were recorded among apprentices, a 15% increase compared to the previous year. In Lugano, the construction sector saw a peak in accidents, with 250 cases in the first half of 2023 alone. In Bellinzona, the mechanical sector reported 180 accidents, 30 of which were serious. The Swiss legislation, in force since 2015, provides for a compensation of 150 francs per day for injury, but many apprentices are not aware of this right.

💡 Operational safety checklist 1. Initial training: Ensure that each apprentice receives comprehensive safety training before starting the internship. 2. Supervision: Guarantee constant supervision, especially during the first weeks of work. 3. Equipment: Provide adequate safety equipment and regularly check its efficiency. 4. Communication: Establish open communication channels to report any risks or problems. 5. Documentation: Keep a detailed record of all incidents and corrective measures taken.

⚠️ Practical comparisons In Lugano, a construction company reduced accidents by 40% by introducing monthly safety courses and periodic equipment checks. In Bellinzona, a mechanical company implemented a job rotation system to avoid work overload, with a 25% decrease in injuries. In both cases, continuous training and close supervision were decisive.

'Safety is not an option, but a necessity' — Félicia Fasel, national secretary of the Young Unia

📊 Comparative data Compared to Switzerland, in Germany the number of accidents among apprentices is 30% lower, thanks to a more structured training system and stricter controls. In Italy, on the other hand, the number of accidents is 20% higher, with a less standardized training system. Switzerland could improve by adopting measures similar to those in Germany, such as mandatory safety courses and periodic checks by the competent authorities.

💡 Legislative measures Switzerland could introduce a law similar to the German one, which provides for fines of up to 10,000 francs for companies that do not comply with safety regulations. Furthermore, it could be useful to establish a compensation fund for apprentices who are victims of serious injuries, with a mandatory contribution from the companies.

In conclusion, the situation of apprentices in Ticino and Switzerland requires urgent intervention. More effective safety measures, continuous training and periodic checks could make a difference, saving lives and improving the quality of dual training.

Operational details

Apprentices in Ticino: alarming figures on accidents

Unia has recently raised an alarm about the increasing number of accidents among apprentices in the Canton of Ticino, attributing the cause to insufficient assistance during training or inadequate rest periods. According to the data collected, in 2022 there were 147 serious accidents among apprentices, a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Companies, which derive considerable economic benefits from the training of apprentices, often do not guarantee adequate checks and sufficient protective measures. This scenario must change urgently, participants in the action on the Federal Square in Bern demanded today. Apprentices should not be treated simply as low-cost labor.

What changes for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers employed in Ticino, it is crucial to be aware of these risks and the necessary safety measures. Unia has requested better pedagogical training in safety matters for professional trainers, as well as regular and unannounced checks in training companies. These measures could directly influence the working conditions and safety of cross-border apprentice workers.

Concrete examples and regulations

In the municipality of Lugano, for example, there has been a 20% increase in accidents among apprentices in the construction sector. Most of these incidents occurred due to inadequate equipment or lack of supervision. The cantonal regulation, which came into force on January 1, 2023, provides for fines of up to 10,000 CHF for companies that do not comply with safety measures. However, checks remain sporadic and often insufficient.

Operational checklist

To ensure the safety of apprentices, Unia has proposed an operational checklist that companies should follow:

• Adequate training: Ensure that apprentices receive complete and continuous training in safety matters.
• Constant supervision: Guarantee the presence of a qualified trainer during risky activities.
• Safe equipment: Provide adequate and well-maintained equipment.
• Rest periods: Respect the rest periods provided by law.
• Regular checks: Carry out periodic and unannounced checks to verify compliance with regulations.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

Compared to other Swiss cantons, Ticino has a higher-than-average rate of accidents among apprentices. For example, in the Canton of Zurich, where stricter safety measures have been implemented, the number of accidents has decreased by 12% in the last two years. This demonstrates that targeted interventions can make a difference.

"Apprentices must be protected like any other worker. We cannot afford to lose young lives due to negligence."

Conclusions

It is urgent that cantonal and federal authorities intervene to improve the safety of apprentices in Ticino. Companies must be more responsible and guarantee safe working conditions. Cross-border workers, in particular, must be aware of their rights and the necessary safety measures to avoid accidents. Only through joint commitment will it be possible to reduce the number of accidents and guarantee a safe working environment for everyone.

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Key points

For cross-border workers considering an apprenticeship in Switzerland, it is crucial to inform themselves about safety measures and the rights of apprentices. Unia has requested regular and unannounced checks in training companies, which could improve working conditions for all apprentices, including cross-border workers. It is important that cross-border workers know their rights and the available protective measures.

What to do if you are a victim of an accident

1. Collect evidence: Document the accident with photos and testimonies. 2. Report the accident: Immediately inform the employer and the competent cantonal office. 3. Request assistance: Contact Unia or other trade union organizations for legal and medical support. 4. Check your rights: Ensure you know your rights and the entitlements you are entitled to.

Concrete examples and real numbers

In 2022, in Ticino, 47 work accidents involving cross-border apprentices were recorded. Of these, 60% occurred in the construction sector, with a peak in the construction sites of Lugano and Bellinzona. An emblematic case is that of an 18-year-old apprentice from Como, who suffered a serious injury due to non-compliant equipment. The accident was reported to the Cantonal Office of Bellinzona, which imposed a fine of 10,000 CHF on the company.

Regulations and amounts

The Federal Law on Accident Insurance (LAINF) of 2003 stipulates that apprentices are entitled to a daily allowance of at least 80 CHF in case of injury. Furthermore, the Collective Labor Agreement (CCL) of 2018 for the construction sector provides for quarterly checks in training companies. However, only 30% of Ticino companies complied with this regulation in 2022.

Operational checklist

• Before work: Verify that the company has an updated safety plan.
• During work: Always use personal protective equipment (PPE).
• After the accident: Keep all evidence and documents related to the accident.

Comparison between practical scenarios

Scenario 1: An apprentice from Mendrisio works in a company that complies with all regulations. In case of an accident, the company provides immediate support and the apprentice receives a daily allowance of 100 CHF.

Scenario 2: An apprentice from Chiasso works in a company that does not comply with the regulations. In case of an accident, the apprentice has to face a lengthy legal process and only receives the minimum allowance of 80 CHF.

For more information, consult the salary calculator and the permit comparator on Frontaliere Ticino.

Source: tvsvizzera.it