ThoseHeat wave in Geneva –
Accused of not having protected his employees enough, the Imad referred to by a complaint
The SSP union has collected numerous testimonies of suffering from staff and has seized the labor inspectorate. The institution refutes and ensures a protective plan for its employees.
Switzerland, Geneva, February 25, 2023: elderly person in their environment.
© Enrico Gastaldello
- The SSP seized the labor relations inspection following testimonies.
- Employees denounce an overload of work and insufficient arrangements.
- More than 14,000 preventive calls were made during the two heat waves.
Overload of work, shortened breaks, kilometers by bicycle: the heat wave was hard to live for certain employees of theHome support institution (IMAD). After having collected a number of testimonies, the Syndicat des Services Publics (SSP) filed a complaint with the Cantonal Office for the Labor Relations Inspectorate (OCIRT).
The SSP criticizes the institution for being long in implementing a formal concept of safety and protection of occupational health (MSST). He said he warned the Régie then the canton in 2023. However, the recent heat waves, according to the union, showed the limits of the system.
Prevention work
“The heat wave plan required a lot of additional work,” says Léa*, home help. It was necessary to go regularly to the elders to reassemble their blinds, ventilate, encourage them to drink. However, all this work is not counted in our schedule. While lists of people to contact are known fourteen days in advance. ”
Employees are described, nibbled breaks, sometimes discomfort. “We find ourselves having to go on bicycle journeys, climbing in buildings without elevator, without being given additional rest time,” regrets Léa.
Employees also describe certain stifling pause rooms. “In some offices too, the heat is untenable,” said an employee, indicating that temperatures are sometimes mounted up to 34 degrees.
No recovery
SSP union secretary, Quentin Stauffer indicates that a complaint has been filed with the OCIRT for violation of the Labor Act. “Part -time staff work tirelessly, without having recovery weeks. Many are exhausted by irregular schedules, without adapted development. ”
Home aid had a lot to do this summer, affected by Two waves of heat. More than 14,000 preventive calls, nearly 200 additional home visits and 5 hospitalizations were made, said a recent press release.
Contacted, the Imad refutes the accusations of the SSP and ensures having an MSST concept. The institution specifies that a heat wave system is dedicated to its employees. Non -essential services, such as ironing, were for example suspended during the heat of August. “The schedules are adjusted to the needs of patients to guarantee suitable working conditions and more regular break times,” says the IMAD.
Who has said, also insisted on internal prevention. What about the premises? Those very exposed to heat were able to benefit from air conditioners. A “thermal comfort management is being finalized”, specifies the IMAD.
At the beginning of 2025, the development of an “work, sun and heat” action plan was launched, in accordance with the recommendations of the State Secretariat for the Economy. A first assessment will be drawn this fall to extend it to the whole institution.
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