Apprentices in Ticino: alarming figures on accidents
Almost 23,000 Swiss apprentices are victims of accidents every year, with an average of three fatal cases. Unia demands urgent measures.
Contesto
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: Provid...
Dettagli operativi
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 Berna 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 t...
Punti chiave
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 upd...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the exact figures for accidents among apprentices in Switzerland?
- According to Unia, nearly 23,000 apprentices are victims of accidents every year, with an average of three fatal cases. The risk of injury is twice as high among apprentices compared to other workers.
- What are the main causes of accidents among apprentices?
- Unia claims that injuries are caused by insufficient support for apprentices or inadequate rest times. Companies benefit economically from training, but checks remain scarce and protection is lacking.
- What is Unia doing to improve the safety of apprentices?
- Unia has requested better pedagogical training in safety for professional trainers, as well as regular and unannounced checks in training companies. This could improve working conditions for all apprentices, including cross-border workers.