Workplace accidents in Switzerland

Workplace accidents reported by police and media across all language regions – with a fact sheet, the source and a prevention lesson.

29/10/2026BE

Fatal accident during work on a crane in Bern

BernConstructionFatal

Assess risks and define protective measures before working on cranes.

22/10/2026GL

Roller driver falls down an embankment with his machine

MühlehornConstructionInjured

Narrow site roads need passing places and clear right-of-way rules between machines. A rollover protective structure and seatbelt keep the driver from being thrown out.

22/10/2026TI

Architect killed in fall from scaffolding

ParadisoConstructionFatal

Scaffolding only protects when complete: check guardrails, decking and access daily. Designers and site managers on inspections need the same protection.

22/10/2026GR

Road roller tips five metres down an embankment near Praden

Praden (Chur)ConstructionProperty damage

On narrow mountain roads, check that the edge will bear the load and keep away from it. Jumping off a tipping machine is luck; a rollover structure and a fastened seatbelt are safer.

22/10/2026TI

Worker on mobile scaffold struck by canopy roof sheet

Cadro (Lugano)ConstructionInjured

Before working on or under old roofs, check what could come loose and secure or remove loose parts from the top down. Plan how to rescue someone from the scaffold.

21/10/2026SG

Three-metre fall from a forklift-mounted platform

DiepoldsauConstructionLife-threatening

Forklift platforms are only acceptable if purpose-built, locked on and fitted with guardrails. For work at height a mobile elevating work platform is usually the safe choice.

10/10/2026VS

Fatal accident while felling trees

MundForestryFatal

Never fell trees alone: if something goes wrong, help comes too late. Keep visual or voice contact, have an emergency plan and use a lone-worker alarm.

06/10/2026BE

Site crane buckles and falls onto building, railway and road

IpsachConstructionProperty damage

A crane collapse without injuries is a near miss with a lot to learn from. Stability, ground, erection and wind limits must be checked and documented before use.

01/10/2026GR

Formwork panel tips over with crane operator

ChurConstructionInjured

Only release formwork panels once they hang on the crane or are propped against tipping. Slinging from a ladder is risky; use a platform or lifting points reachable from the ground.

28/09/2026TG

Worker falls through a roof

EschlikonConstructionSeriously injured

Not every roof can bear a person: skylights, fibre-cement sheets and old coverings give way without warning. Cover fragile areas or install safety nets before work starts.

28/09/2026SG

Fatal accident unloading steel parts with an excavator

PfäfersConstructionFatal

Whoever slings or signals never stands in the swing or drop zone of the load. Use an excavator for lifting only with a load hook, approval and eye contact between operator and signaller.

24/09/2026BL

Contamination during sampling in a laboratory

ReinachChemicals / labInjured

Even routine sampling needs a risk assessment, suitable PPE and practised emergency procedures. A fume cupboard is no substitute for knowing what is in the container.

21/09/2026TG

Forklift tips down a grass bank – driver killed

BuhwilLogisticsFatal

Tipping forklifts mostly kill unbelted drivers who try to jump clear. Use the restraint, stay in the cab and mark routes well away from banks.

16/09/2026ZH

Accident on a facade under renovation kills two

Zürich (Kreis 5)ConstructionFatal

Construction hoists are machines subject to inspection: anchorage to the scaffold, installation per the manufacturer and sign-off by a competent person – also after every change.

10/09/2026SG

17-year-old falls from roof while cleaning

WidnauCleaning / maintenanceSeriously injured

Young workers may only do hazardous work under their training plan and supervision. Roof work without collective fall protection is off-limits for them.

09/09/2026TI

Explosion at old Ritom power station kills two workers

Piotta (Quinto)EnergyFatal

Old or decommissioned plants hide residual energy, gases and unknown substances. Before work: hazard analysis, isolation, gas testing and a written permit to work.

08/09/2026GR

Hand trapped in loader crane grab

Pragg-JenazAgricultureSeriously injured

Never guide or adjust a grab by hand while the crane can move. Lone work needs an emergency plan – luckily here the injured man could raise the alarm himself.

02/09/2026VS

Loader crane tips onto truck driver during installation

Le Châble (Val de Bagnes)TransportFatal

Fitting and removing attachments is non-routine work: follow the manufacturer, prop parts before releasing them and never stand beneath heavy components.

08/08/2026FR

Earthmoving machine rolls twice while levelling a field

BelfauxAgricultureInjured

Reversing near an edge is one of the commonest causes of rollovers. Mark a safe distance, use a banksman and always wear the seatbelt.

23/07/2026VD

Roofer killed in fall from chalet roof

Les DiableretsConstructionFatal

The eaves are a fall edge too: from 3 m on roofs you need edge protection or scaffolding with a catch barrier – from the first to the last day.

26/06/2026VS

Bell casting: fumes from molten metal – one dead

ChampéryManufacturingFatal

Melting metal gives off toxic fumes: use effective extraction or work outdoors, a gas detector and a second exit.

15/06/2026VD

Worker falls 9 m into a service void

Chavannes-près-RenensConstructionFatal

Floor and shaft openings must be covered with secured, load-bearing covers or guarded – especially for later trades such as cleaners who know the site less well.

12/06/2026OW

Worker killed by metal part on A8 tunnel site

Kaiserstuhl (A8, bei Giswil)ConstructionFatal

When lifting: nobody in the load’s danger zone, sling it securely and guide it with tag lines, not by hand. Only lift once the area is clear.

02/04/2026GE

Worker falls from scaffold in central Geneva

Genève (Molard)ConstructionInjured

Scaffolds in tight city-centre spots still need full edge protection on every working level. Close any gap left during alterations immediately.

02/04/2026VS

Worker fatally trapped while loading a truck

VispLogisticsFatal

Keep clear of the load and crane during lifting operations. Stop movements before anyone enters a crush zone.

16/03/2026FR

Power pole falls on crane: worker electrocuted

Le MouretEnergyInjured

Before line work: de-energise, earth, secure poles against falling – keep crane booms out of the fall zone.

15/12/2025ZH

Truck crane boom snaps while lifting gravel – worker killed

EggConstructionFatal

Nobody belongs under the boom or the load, even for a routine lift. Loader cranes need their periodic inspection and a visual check for cracks and deformation before every use.

11/12/2025VD

15-year-old killed while unloading roof tiles

BexConstructionFatal

When unloading with a loader crane, nobody stands under or beside the suspended load, including on the lorry bed. Young workers do such dangerous work only with training and close supervision.

14/05/2025TI

Worker seriously injured in a fall in Bellinzona

BellinzonaConstructionSeriously injured

Provide safe working positions and effective fall protection for work at height.

05/05/2025VS

Ladder fall while removing a sign: one dead

SionConstructionFatal

Don't remove loads from a façade off a ladder – use a lift or scaffold.

01/04/2025SO

Falling tree kills forest worker (28)

DänikenForestryFatal

Mark and close the felling zone, prepare an escape route, keep radio or visual contact in the team.

26/03/2025BE

Construction worker (55) falls several metres and dies

OstermundigenConstructionFatal

From 2 m fall height you need edge protection or fall-arrest – even for short jobs.

18/03/2025BE

Crushed during repair: worker (19) dies

IttigenTransportFatal

In workshops, secure vehicles against rolling and unintended starts; nobody between a vehicle and fixed equipment while it moves.

03/03/2025BE

Log kills forestry worker (21)

SaanenmöserForestryFatal

Keep the danger zone clear during felling and skidding (twice the tree length); plan for logs rolling or sliding on slopes.

06/02/2025FR

Wooden pole snaps: apprentice (16) falls 9 m and dies

PosatEnergyFatal

Before climbing a wooden pole, check it is sound (rot at the base) – if in doubt, brace it or use a lift. Never send an apprentice first up an unchecked pole.

04/02/2025VD

Drilling rig tips on slope: worker (26) killed

BlonayConstructionFatal

Rigs on slopes: check stability first, raise the mast only on firm level ground – nobody in the tip-over zone.

19/05/2024BE

Train driver falls under train at Biel station

Biel/BienneTransportFatal

Board and alight only when fully stopped; staff are exposed too when leaving a train.

22/01/2024TI

Electric shock at hydro plant: worker (35) dies

CavergnoEnergyFatal

Before electrical work: switch off, lock out, verify no voltage, earth.