Safety is a top priority at ISS Switzerland. Since April, we have been implementing our new global Health & Safety strategy, ‘Creating SAFE Spaces Together’ – a strong commitment to safe workplaces and healthy working conditions. The new strategy replaces our previous ‘Vision 100’.
The aim is to continuously improve our safety standards and measurably reduce workplace accidents. Whether in cleaning, technical services, building services or grounds maintenance: we all play our part in ensuring that our working environment is safe.
WHAT IS BEHIND SAFE?
Our new strategy is based on four concrete behavioral principles that are easy to put into practice in everyday life:
SPEAK OPENLY
Openly address safety risks, for example when working at heights or operating technical equipment.
FOCUS ON LEARNINGS
Regularly share lessons learned from incidents and successful measures to continuously improve our processes.
ACT SAFELY
Actively comply with safety regulations and lead by example in all activities, such as cleaning or maintenance.
ENGAGE WITH OTHERS
Work together with the team to take responsibility for minimizing risks and ensuring a safe workplace.
Safety Day in Kriens: a day dedicated entirely to safety and prevention
Bringing Safety to Life: Successful “Safety Days” and “Safety Breakfasts”
As part of Safety Week in late April and early May, the new Health & Safety strategy was brought to life at several Swiss locations. Under the shared motto of a safe workday, various events - such as “Safety Days” and “Safety Breakfasts” - took place in French-speaking Switzerland, Central Switzerland, and Basel.
The focus was on hands-on activities, open dialogue, and targeted awareness-raising: identifying risks, taking the right action, and taking responsibility for one’s own safety.
Successful First “Safety Breakfast” in French-speaking Switzerland
In French-speaking Switzerland, approximately 130 employees from all branches in western Switzerland participated in the first “Safety Breakfast.” The event combined a group breakfast with workshops on one of the most common accident risks: falls. These account for approximately 36% of all workplace accidents.
Participants also refreshed their first-aid skills, playfully tested their balance, and learned how to safely handle personal protective equipment (PPE) - from selection to proper use. An interactive competition rounded out the program.
“Safety Days” in Central Switzerland and Basel
In Central Switzerland and Basel, too, the focus was on safety in early May: 116 employees took part in the “Safety Days” held there. A highlight was Suva’s obstacle course, which impressively demonstrated the dangers of inattention. Other topics included the safe use of ladders, identifying safe traffic routes, and being mindful of risks in everyday life.
The successful mix of theory, practical exercises, and interactive learning ensured high participation here as well and provided lasting inspiration for greater workplace safety. Similar events are planned for the fall in the Aargau region and in Ticino. The goal remains - in line with our strategy “Creating SAFE spaces together” - to create a safe work environment for everyone.
Martin Zubler, Managing Director North/South
“Initiatives like Safety Days create opportunities to pause, learn, and raise awareness - because every contribution counts when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting health.”
Christophe Favier Bosson, Managing Director, Romandie
“ISS takes workplace safety very seriously. Everyone should return home safe and sound. The Safety Breakfast raises awareness and refreshes knowledge. Thank you to Julie Naville and the Romandie HSE team for the successful first event!”