Coordination mandate Joining forces

Many stakeholders, one common Goal

Preventing non-occupational accidents in Switzerland calls for a broad-based approach. Governmental and non-governmental organisations, along with numerous businesses, are committed to making people’s lives safer. The BFU plays a pivotal role with its coordination mandate, which is enshrined in the Federal Act on Accident Insurance (UVG) and in the Accident Prevention Ordinance. 

How prevention works

As a national centre of competence, the BFU’s own research and practice-oriented approach keep it at the forefront of developments. This allows us to identify the current focal points in prevention work and concentrate on areas of life where many serious accidents occur. The guiding principle: addressing important and relevant issues in a timely manner.

Coordination is key: prevention is best achieved when all stakeholders coordinate and pool their resources. The BFU ensures that no unnecessary overlaps or gaps occur. 

Systematic exchange for effective solutions

Prevention work never stops – it is constantly evolving. New technologies, behaviours and demographic change create new risks. This is why the BFU promotes the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices. This involves developing evidence-based foundation resources and implementation aids, such as subject-specific technical documentation. The BFU’s prevention partners use these tools to implement their projects in alignment with proven standards. 

This dialogue is a two-way process: the BFU gains valuable practical insights from its partners. In turn, the BFU specialists can offer the partners targeted and tailored support. They contribute their expertise to projects, evaluate measures and highlight synergies and networking opportunities.

When coordination leads to cooperation

The BFU’s coordination work often leads to joint projects. Three examples: every year, 90,000 elderly people are injured badly enough to need medical treatment or hospital care. Health Promotion Switzerland, Pro Senectute Switzerland and the BFU are working together as the main partners in the national prevention campaign «Sicher gehen». Two specialist partners and eight cooperation partners are also involved. 

In order to prevent mountain hiking accidents, the BFU and the Association of Swiss Hiking Trails are raising awareness of the demands posed by white-red-white marked mountain hiking trails with the campaign «Sicher bergwandern» . The association contributes its expertise. 

The third example focuses on preventing serious injuries in contact-heavy sports such as soccer, handball or ice hockey. The «Return to Play» checklists allow coaches, even without medical knowledge, to assess whether a player is able to return to the field of play after an injury. The BFU developed these checklists together with the Swiss Football Association (SFV), Suva, Sport & Exercise Medicine Switzerland (SEMS) and medical professionals.

Are you ready to kick off a new approach? Talk to the BFU. We can connect you with the right specialists and help you get your project up and running.

Global insights for local safety

The BFU also makes international exchange a priority. Many safety measures, from wearing safety belts to fall prevention training for the elderly, were first tested abroad. Switzerland benefits from this know-how and passes on its own expertise, for instance on ski bindings. 

International data, comparisons and research projects show which measures are effective. The OECD collections and studies by FERSI (Forum of European Road Safety Research Institutes) or the European Road Safety Council are particularly valuable resources. The BFU only adopts measures that are in line with Swiss culture and needs. A cross-border perspective sharpens awareness, identifies areas where action is needed and reinforces good approaches.

4 international partners