Suva to provide financial support for asbestos compensation fund
Published: Wednesday, Nov 22nd 2023, 10:21
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The Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (Suva) should be able to financially support the compensation fund for asbestos victims. On Wednesday, the Federal Council submitted the inclusion of a new article in the Accident Insurance Act for consultation.
The compensation fund was established in 2016 and fed by voluntary contributions of around 26 million francs, according to the federal authorities.
Additional financial resources of CHF 25 to 50 million would be required to continue the Foundation Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims until 2030. According to the new article in the Accident Insurance Act, any financing by Suva will come exclusively from the surplus income from insurance against occupational accidents and illnesses.
Due to the very long incubation period between exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms, it is estimated that up to 170 people a year still develop malignant mesothelioma, according to the health authorities, despite the ban on asbestos imposed in 1989.
Around 20 to 30 of these sufferers are not entitled to the benefits of compulsory accident insurance due to non-occupational exposure to asbestos, but only to the less comprehensive benefits of compulsory health insurance and disability insurance. To remedy this situation, the Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims Foundation was established.
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