External security officers: The most important things in a nutshell

  • External security officers should support the company and especially the management in all matters of security management.
  • External security officers ensure a high degree of professionalism and are always up to date with the latest knowledge.
  • External security officers can be useful because they are independent and objective and thus have a fresh view of the security processes and procedures of a company. 
  • External security officers have a widespread network, which allows to act early and proactively.
  • External security officers have the necessary expertise to support the superiors (KOPAS) in their task.

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Why is there a need for external safety officers?

There are several reasons why a company needs external security officers:

  1. Independence and objectivity:External security officers are independent of the company's internal processes and interests and can therefore make an objective assessment of security measures.
  2. Experience and knowledge: External security officers often have broader experience and knowledge of security issues and legislation than internal employees and can therefore better advise and support the company.
  3. Risk management: External security officers can improve the company's risk management by identifying and assessing risks and recommending mitigation measures.
  4. Cost effectiveness: External security officers can in certain cases be more cost effective than building and maintaining an internal security department.

Legal basis External safety representatives

The Ordinance on the Prevention of Accidents and Occupational Diseases (VUV) regulates in Article 11a to 11g the involvement of occupational physicians and other specialists in occupational safety in companies. The EKAS guideline 6508 (consultation guideline) puts this requirement into concrete terms.

How does the cooperation work?

The company trains its supervisors as KOPAS (Contact Persons Occupational Safety), who are the direct contact persons for safety on site. They are in contact with the external safety officers, who supports and advises them. 

Who needs to deal with it?

All public authorities, companies and their managements have to deal with security-related issues and ensure the protection of their employees.  This is regardless of the size or industry in which they operate.  

The use in companies is appropriate for two aspects. On the one hand, in companies that do not have the human and professional resources to fill the functions of safety officers. On the other hand, they are also expedient for large organizations to incorporate advanced knowledge and competencies (outside view).  

Who in the company is responsible for this?

Management, senior management and supervisors

How does SBIS support?

Our competent team of experts supports you in the practical implementation of occupational health and safety in your company, in particular with:

  • Annual planning, including budgeting
  • Evaluation, Reviewing and updating company and inter-company safety systems
  • carrying out risk assessments and drawing up proposals for health protection and for the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases
  • working out risk assessments, including action planning
  • training and continuing education of the workforce at all levels
  • Consultation of the KOPAS
  • Assistance with the ASA system
  • Conducting audits and safety checks of the safety system in your plant
  • Assistance with conformity with legal and other requirements by means of a list of all federal laws and ordinances
  • Organization of emergency preparedness
  • Recording, Clarification and documentation of accidents, near-accidents, and occupational diseases
  • Preparation of periodic reports and statistics on accident occurrence
  • Safety review of projects in the planning phase and support in the procurement of safety-compliant work equipment and personal protective equipment
  • Support in the planning of priority programs and campaigns
  • Development of decision-making bases for management
  • Preparation of the annual report, e. g.E.g. for management review
  • Representation to the implementing bodies (Suva, cantonal labor inspectorates)

With safety officers (safety officers) and safety coordinators (SiKo) of the SBIS is ensured that the safety-relevant applicable normative requirements are implemented adequately and compliantly. Be it in terms of occupational safety & health protection, as the responsible safety officers for quality assurance fire protection (QSS according to VKF) to topics related to environmental protection.  

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