From fall protection systems to UV safeguards, construction SMEs must implement various measures to protect their employees from the risks of accidents or illness. Thomas Rosenberg, Operations Director at Hector Egger Holzbau, explains how this "systematic prevention" approach works.
The construction sector is the fifth most dangerous in Switzerland in terms of mortality. Between 2014 and 2023, it averaged 10.9 deaths per year per 100,000 full-time workers and 179 workplace accidents per 1,000 employees. Aware of these risks, the SME Hector Egger Holzbau has been innovating for the past decade to provide its 110 employees with effective protection against accidents. Thomas Rosenberg, the company’s Operations Director, discusses the industry’s risk prevention challenges.
What are the main activities of your SME, and why is it important in your industry to prioritize employee safety?
Thomas Rosenberg: We specialize in timber construction, which involves manufacturing wooden structural elements or parts of buildings, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, and then assembling them on-site. We also frequently carry out renovations. Given this, we are subject to the 2022 Construction Works Ordinance, which mandates special measures. To meet these new requirements, we formed an internal team that can now create a safety plan in just five minutes, compared to the hour it used to take.
Who is responsible for prevention measures within your company?
Rosenberg: The project managers are the primary contacts for all safety matters on our construction sites. They create the protection plans required by federal regulations, ensuring they are implemented and monitored. These plans are incorporated into the project estimates and organized from the very beginning, starting in the design phase of any construction or renovation.
The health and safety of our staff are, of course, paramount. Everyone must go home in good health at the end of the day! I am also part of a think tank on risk prevention called "Holzbau Vital." Through this initiative, we’ve developed a solution specifically for companies in the timber construction sector. It includes a comprehensive catalog of safety measures and training courses focused on health and safety. Certified by the Federal Coordination Commission for Occupational Safety (CFST), this solution makes life easier for small businesses by eliminating the need to hire external specialists. It also serves as an important reminder that safety has a cost on any construction site, and it must be properly budgeted and planned for.
Could you provide some concrete examples of "systematic prevention"?
Rosenberg: On our construction sites, we install collective fall protection systems that must work for all trades involved. This includes safety nets, mobile side protections like guardrails, or air cushions placed on the ground. If these measures aren’t sufficient, we secure each worker individually, typically using safety harnesses.
How do you raise awareness of these safety issues with a new apprentice when they start at your company?
Rosenberg: From their first day of orientation, new apprentices receive their initial safety training. They are introduced to SUVA’s Ten Vital Rules for the Timber Construction Industry," which cover essential topics such as fall prevention, proper use of safety gear, safe handling of heavy loads, correct storage of construction materials, and the safe use of tools. A week later, they participate in a safety course organized by the accident insurance provider, and a month later, they undergo two additional days of safety training.
How has the revision of the Construction Works Ordinance changed the situation for you?
Rosenberg: With the new mandatory fall protection rules for heights over 2 meters – common in carpentry – we now rely more on elevating platforms and personal protective equipment, such as harnesses with ropes. This change requires us to invest in new equipment and arrange mandatory external training for our employees.
The ordinance also introduces new measures for disease prevention, including UV protection. We provide sunscreen, sun protection for the head and neck, and water during the summer. Employees can also choose to start work earlier and take more paid breaks in the shade.
What challenges does this systematic prevention pose for Hector Egger Holzbau?
Rosenberg: It’s crucial to foster new ideas from employees so they feel genuinely involved. Additionally, safety training needs to be scheduled at the start of the year and strictly followed, regardless of the projects underway.
Aside from legal compliance, what positive impacts has your SME experienced?
Rosenberg: Our commitment to safety has proven effective, as our accident insurance premiums decrease each year. In general, we strive to involve our employees in organizing safety measures across various projects and are dedicated to fostering a culture of openness and dialogue. If a mistake is made, we work together to find solutions.
Biography
Thomas Rosenberg began his career at Hector Egger Holzbau, a company founded in Langenthal (BE) in 1848, as an intern in 2008. He completed his continuing education as a timber construction technician while working there. After several years of experience as a project manager, he was promoted to Operations Director in 2013 and joined the management team in 2014. He later completed his postgraduate studies in construction business management.
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Last modification 04.09.2024
