Suva’s origins

2009

With the ESPRIX-Award 2009, Suva receives the highest Swiss award for business excellence. Back in 2004, Suva competed for the ESPRIX company prize and was a prizewinner in the category «Maximum closeness to the customer».

2008

Suva celebrates its 90th anniversary on 1st April.

2007

Suva responds to the consultations for the revision of the Accident Insurance Law.

2006

In November, the Federal Council opens consultations on the revision of the Accident Insurance Law (UVG).

2005

Effective from 1st July 2005, the Swiss Confederation transfers the management of its military insurance to Suva. Military insurance remains an independent social insurance organization according to the Federal Law on Military Insurance (MVG).

2004

Suva receives the ESPRIX award for its superb customer-orientation. In the same year, it is honoured with the innovation prize of the Schweizer Assekuranz for its rehabilitation method known as «New Case Management» (NCM). A study compiled by Professor Jaeger and commissioned on behalf of the Federal Council concludes that far more of every franc invested goes to Suva’s insurees than is the case with the private insurers (95 instead of 80 cents).

2003

Suva introduces its seminal case management method called «New Case Management». It is designed particularly for accident victims who get into a difficult professional, family or financial situation. Case managers support these victims in their endeavours to return to work.

2002

Report by the working group assigned by the Swiss Confederation «Suva’s future» (www.bag.admin.ch): Suva is to be given new areas of business.

2000

The therapeutic spa «Zum Schiff» in Baden is closed effective from the end of the year.

1999

Opening of the Clinique romande de réadaptation in Sion.

1996

Suva bears a uniform name and the Suva logo all over the country.
The Swiss Confederation gives Suva the task of managing accident insurance for the unemployed (UVAL).

1993

Suva celebrates its 75th anniversary
Brochure: 75 years’ Suva (PDF, 6.3 MB)

1991

Franz Steinegger becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors.

1988

Total assets exceed CHF 10 billion.

1985

For the first time, Suva records more than half a million accidents and occupational diseases. In addition, the number of leisuretime accidents (260,497) exceeds the number of occupational accidents (254,565) for the first time.

1984

The new Accident Insurance Law (UVG) becomes effective. The law was passed by the Swiss government in 1981. Compulsory accident insurance is extended to cover all employees. With this law, Suva is given a new legal basis. Alongside Suva, other insurers are also allowed to handle compulsory accident insurance. Occupational safety is also reorganised at the same time.

1974

Opening of the Bellikon rehabilitation clinic.

1968

Motorcycling and the use of aircraft are no longer considered to be risks.

1954

Suva’s assets exceed one billion Swiss francs for the first time. Its capital investments are used to cover long-term pensions.

1936

The therapeutic spa «Zum Schiff» opens the school for amputees.

1929

Races and sports events are taken off the list of extraordinary hazards. Insurance benefits are no longer cancelled in the event of an accident.

1928

Suva takes over the «Zum Schiff» therapeutic spa in Baden.

1918

1^st April: Suva commences operation. The start is not always easy due to the First World War and influenza. As early as the first year, 105,863 accidents are reported to Suva and a total of 849 disability pensions are awarded in 1918. Altogether, Suva provides insurance benefits totalling 9.9 million Swiss francs in 1918. At the end of the year, Suva has 525 employees. An occupational accident costs an average of 241 Swiss francs and a leisuretime accident costs an average of 276 Swiss francs.

1914/15

Construction of Suva’s head offices in Fluhmatt, Lucerne. In the final years of the First World War, the building was used as a military infirmary for interned prisoners of war.

1912

Approval of the Sickness and Accident Insurance Law KUVG in a plebiscite. The law provides for the subsidising of sickness insurance companies as well as the introduction of compulsory accident insurance for a large part of the working population. Suva is mandated to handle compulsory accident insurance and to supervise occupational safety in companies.

Minutes of the first meeting of the Board of Directors (PDF 823 KB)

1900

Rejection of the «Lex Forrer» in a referendum. The aim of the law was to introduce compulsory sickness and accident insurance.

1890

Acceptance of constitutional article 34b. The Swiss Confederation is commissioned to set up sickness and accident insurance through the medium of legislation.

1877

Acceptance of the Federal Factory Act. Among other things, it contains regulations on occupational safety and the principle of manufacturers’ causal liability for occupational accidents and occupational diseases.