Swiss federal authorities

The ASA system

Illustration of the 10 elements of the ASA system
The 10 elements of the ASA system

System-oriented prevention

System-oriented prevention is effective and goes beyond merely eliminating a problem once it has been identified (e.g. lack of railings). The aim of systematic prevention is to sustainably prevent the recurrence or development of a similar problem throughout the company. It therefore usually involves a combination of technical, organisational and personal measures (e.g. procurement of work equipment, regular workplace checks, briefing and involvement of employees, etc.) on the basis of a hazard identification. System-orientated measures are essential for the ongoing development of the company’s safety culture.

An ASA system in accordance with FCOS Directive 6508 (ASA Directive) consists of 10 elements. This system is a practical tool that enables employers and safety experts to fulfil their responsibilities and to continuously improve health and safety in the company.

 

Types of ASA solutions

There are basically two solutions for implementing the system:

Industry-wide ASA solution

An industry-wide solution is a tool for the development of an ASA system offered by a certified provider. ASA solutions offer their members customised templates for implementing the 10 elements of the ASA system. 

There are three different types of industry-wide ASA solution:

  • Industry solution
  • Corporate group solution
  • Model solution

Companies can join one of these ASA solutions and thus ensure the involvement of occupational safety specialists.

Customised ASA solution

Companies can also develop a customised ASA system by independently developing the content of the 10 elements of the ASA system. This requires the company to call in external occupational safety specialists or to acquire the necessary occupational safety knowledge itself.

The main advantages and disadvantages of industry-wide ASA solutions and the customised ASA solution

VariantsDescriptionVAdvantagesDisadvantages

Industry solutions

 

  • Industry-specific safety system (manual) and checklists
  • Training courses and other services
  • The solution must however be consolidated and implemented in each individual company
  • Are supported by the social partners in an industry and developed in collaboration with occupational safety specialists.
  • Price
  • Collective involvement of occupational physicians and other occupational safety specialists (ASA), risk assessment and training carried out collectively
  • Sharing of experience
  • System templates
  • Key campaigns
  • Continuity
  • Individuality

 

 

 

 

Corporate group solutions
  • Particularly suitable for large companies with branches at different locations
  • Price
  • Collective involvement of occupational physicians and other occupational safety specialists (ASA), risk assessment and training carried out collectively
  • Sharing of experience
  • System templates
  • Key campaigns
  • Continuity
  • Individuality
  • Only for large companies
Model solutions
  • Safety or quality assurance system from a consulting firm
  • Occupational health and safety aspects integrated
  • Management
  • Support
  • System
  • Involvement of ASA specialists by the model solution
  • Price
  • Sharing of experience
Individual solutions
  • Individual safety system
  • Company-specific requirements
  • Involvement of external occupational safety specialists
  • For larger companies or those that already have a quality or environmental management system in place
  • Companies with specific, high-risk processes and activities
  • Micro-enterprises with special hazards as an alternative to the industry solution
  • Individuality
  • Price
  • Involvement of ASA specialists, sharing of experience and further training by the company
  • Continuity