Swiss parliament wants to expand support for asbestos victims
The expansion of financial support for asbestos victims by the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund has cleared its first parliamentary hurdle.
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With 130 votes in favour, 64 against and no abstentions, the House of Representatives on Monday followed the lead of its preliminary consultation committee for social security and health. The latter recommended the government’s proposal to amend the Federal Law on Accident Insurance accordingly for approval.
+ Asbestos removal work still progressing slowly in Switzerland
The amendment is intended to secure the future of the Foundation Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims. Around 120 people still fall ill with malignant mesothelioma every year because they have inhaled a carcinogenic amount of asbestos fibres. Twenty to 30 of them are not entitled to benefits from compulsory accident insurance because they were not exposed to asbestos at work.
The next step is for the Senate to decide on the bill.
Translated from German by DeepL/ts
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