The PERCO (Safety Contact Person) training course is an essential step for all companies subject to safety at work obligations in Switzerland, particularly as part of the MSST (Doctors and Specialists for Safety at Work) system. Aimed at employees designated to coordinate and monitor safety in their teams, this training course provides the fundamental skills needed to identify risks, apply preventive measures, and ensure compliance with Swiss legal requirements.
Compliant with the criteria set by the Federal Commission for the Coordination of Occupational Safety (CFST), PERCO training addresses the ten key elements of the MSST system and offers learning that combines legal theory with practical applications tailored to the real-life context of companies. It aims to strengthen the in-house safety culture while facilitating dialogue between employers, employees and specialists.
This page provides you with a comprehensive guide to PERCO training: its role, objectives, content, official recognition, as well as its practical impact on accident prevention and MSST regulatory compliance. Whether you are an employer, designated employee or safety manager, understanding and valuing this training is the key to ensuring a safe working environment that complies with Swiss legislation.
What is PERCO training?
Definition of PERCO training and the role of the PERCO in the company
PERCO training refers to the course designed to train the Safety Contact Person (PERCO), a key player within the MSST system in Switzerland. The PERCO is responsible for organising, coordinating and ensuring the implementation of workplace safety measures in his company or department. In this role, PERCOs make an active contribution to the prevention of accidents and occupational illnesses by anticipating risks, raising staff awareness and following up corrective action in accordance with Swiss regulations. PERCO training provides him with the theoretical and practical foundations needed to carry out these responsibilities effectively.
Who should take PERCO training? Target audience and profiles concerned
The PERCO training course is primarily aimed at employees or managers designated by the company to take on the safety mission, particularly in SMEs or small structures without dedicated specialist resources. It is designed for those who do not necessarily have initial training in safety or risk management, but who need to get involved in MSST compliance.
Typical profiles include:
- Department or team managers designated PERCO
- Pilot prevention staff in small companies
- Safety referents in charge of day-to-day monitoring of measures
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- Understand the legal obligations in terms of safety at work
- Identify the hazards specific to their professional environment
- Take appropriate preventive measures
- Ensure dialogue between the various MSST stakeholders and management
- Participate actively in the internal safety culture, which is essential for reducing risks
This training is compulsory in companies subject to the MSST system, in accordance with CFST Directive 6508, which requires one or more PERCOs to be trained and operational.
Why PERCO training is essential as part of the MSST
The MSST system is based on collaboration between several safety specialists, of which the PERCO is the operational pivot within the company. His or her role as contact person and coordinator is crucial in ensuring that regulatory requirements are applied rigorously and effectively in the field.
PERCO training ensures that this mission is fulfilled by competent players capable of:
In short, taking the PERCO training course is a guarantee of compliance and performance for any company committed to a serious and sustainable MSST approach.
Objectives and content of the PERCO training course
Educational objectives of PERCO training in occupational safety
PERCO training aims to provide designated contact persons within companies with the skills they need to manage occupational health and safety effectively. It meets the requirements of CFST Directive 6508 and is fully in line with the regulatory framework of the MSST system.
The main objectives are:
- To master the Swiss legal and regulatory bases (LTr, LAA, OPA, CFST 6508)
- .Identify and assess the hazards specific to the company’s activity
- Implement appropriate preventive measures and ensure their follow-up
- Coordinate safety actions with all employees and MSST specialists
- Foster a sustainable prevention culture within the organisation
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Detailed programme: The 10 key elements of the MSST system covered
During the training course, participants discover and work on the 10 pillars of MSST, including:
- Organisation of occupational safety in the company
- Identifying and assessing risks
- Planning preventive measures
- Practical implementation of measures
- First aid organisation and emergency management
- Health monitoring (where appropriate, depending on risks)
- Regular monitoring and internal audits
- Documentation and traceability of actions
- .strong>Continuous improvement of the safety system
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Training and informing employees
Each point is addressed through concrete examples, practical exercises, and role-playing adapted to the realities of different sectors (construction, industry, services, healthcare).
Training methods: duration, teaching methods and validation
- Duration : generally spread over 2 days, which can be adapted to suit the sector or teaching method (face-to-face, blended learning)
- Teaching methods: alternating between theoretical contributions, group work, case studies and experience sharing
- Validation : final assessment (multiple-choice questions, case study or presentation of action plan) leading to an official certificate recognised by the CFST
- Updating: continuing training recommended every 2 to 3 years, or whenever there are major regulatory changes
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The role of the PERCO in the MSST system
Main tasks of the PERCO for occupational risk prevention
As part of the MSST system, the PERCO (Safety Contact Person) plays a central role in implementing occupational health and safety measures within the company. His primary mission is to ensure the coordination and monitoring of prevention actions, ensuring that each measure is tailored to the risks identified in his sector of activity.
His responsibilities include in particular:
- Participating in assessing and updating risks
- Ensuring the disseminating safety instructions to teams
- Organising and supervising safety training and drills
- Monitor the application of procedures and suggest improvements
- Contribute to reporting to management and supervisory bodies
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Interface between employers, workers and MSST specialists
The PERCO acts as an operational pivot by serving as a permanent link between :
- The employer, the guarantor of legal compliance and the safety budget
- .The employees, who apply the procedures on a daily basis and report problems
- The MSST specialists
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Thanks to this position, PERCO facilitates the circulation of information, ensures that the experts’ recommendations are properly applied and adapts preventive actions to the reality on the ground.
Importance of the PERCO in ensuring compliance with legal obligations
The CFST directive 6508 makes it mandatory for a PERCO to be present and trained in all companies subject to the MSST. This role is strategic for:
- Reduce the risk of accidents and occupational illness
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements and avoid penalties./strong> and avoid sanctions
- Strengthen the culture of prevention within the organisation
- Demonstrate, during official MSST audits, the proper management of safety at work
.A trained and active PERCO is therefore not only an asset for the safety and well-being of employees, but also a guarantee of credibility and compliance vis-à-vis the authorities and partners.
Recognition and certification of PERCO training
Compliance with CFST standards and Swiss legal requirements
The PERCO training course is designed to meet the precise requirements of directive CFST 6508, which provides a framework for the use of occupational safety specialists as part of the MSST system.
This directive stipulates that every company subject to the MSST obligation must appoint and train at least one Safety Contact Person so that they can fulfil their role competently.
The official programmes incorporate the Swiss legal bases for occupational safety: LTr, LAA and OPA.
Obtaining the PERCO certificate and conditions of validity
At the end of the training course, the participant receives an official attestation or a certificate of PERCO competence issued by an approved body.
This certificate attests that the employee has mastered the knowledge and know-how required to:
- Identify and manage risks
- Implement preventive measures
- Coordinate safety actions within the company in accordance with the MSST system
This document is recognised by the supervisory authorities and can be presented during compliance audits. It also enables the company to formally demonstrate that it meets its legal obligations.
Continuing training and skills renewal PERCO
Regulations require keep skills up to date. Good practice involves taking refresher training :
- Every 2 to 3 years
- After a major change in activity or risks
- When there are significant regulatory changes
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These skills-maintenance sessions provide an opportunity to consolidate knowledge, incorporate the latest legal developments and share feedback with other PERCOs.
They are a key element in ensuring that the Safety Contact Person function remains fully effective and recognised by the authorities.
Benefits for the company and impact on safety in the workplace
Significant reduction in accidents and incidents
Training a PERCO enables targeted and effective preventive actions to be put in place. Better identification of hazards and rapid reaction to risky situations considerably reduce the frequency and severity of workplace accidents, thereby limiting sick leave and lost productivity.
Improving the internal safety culture
The PERCO acts as a driving force for prevention culture within the company. Its daily mission of raising awareness and monitoring encourages employee involvement at all levels: everyone becomes a player in their own safety and that of their team. This creates a calmer and more motivating working environment.
Strengthened compliance with the MSST system
Thanks to a trained PERCO, the company ensures full compliance with the requirements of the MSST system and CFST Directive 6508. This translates into:
- Compliance with legal obligations verifiable at all times
- Optimal preparation for controls and audits
- Reducing the risk of sanctions, fines or corrective obligations
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- Customers and partners
- Investors
- Current and future employees
- Savings on absence and replacement costs
- Lower accident insurance premiums
- Increased productivity thanks to operational and motivated teams
Enhancing the company’s image
An organisation that invests in PERCO training demonstrates a concrete commitment to health and safety at work. This strengthens its credibility with :
Measurable return on investment
Fewer accidents and occupational illnesses translate directly into:
Practical information on PERCO training in Switzerland
Where to take PERCO training? Approved organisations and trainers
PERCO training is offered by organisations specialising in occupational health and safety, approved at national level and complying with the CFST 6508 directive in the image of Safety First.
These training courses are organised in most Swiss cantons, often in collaboration with professional associations or training centres recognised in the field of prevention.
Some sessions can be delivered directly in companies to adapt to their specific needs.
Cost, duration and enrolment conditions
- Duration: generally 2 full days, flexible according to needs or sector of activity.
- Cost: variable depending on the training organisation, customisation of the programme and location, generally between CHF 600 and CHF 1,200 per participant.
- Registrations: available to companies or directly to designated employees; it is advisable to book several weeks in advance, as sessions sometimes fill up quickly.
Specific training by business sector
To address the risks specific to each field, specialised PERCO modules exist for, in particular:
- The construction sector (work at height, machinery, worksites)
- The industry (machinery, maintenance, etc.)./strong> (machinery, maintenance, chemicals)
- The medical and care sector (biological risks, ergonomics, handling)
- The departments and offices (psychosocial risks, ergonomics, fire prevention)
These adaptations anchor the training in the concrete realities of the company, and ensure immediate application of the measures learned.
Taking action: preparing for the designation of a PERCO
Before registering an employee for training, it is pertinent to:
- Identify the person closest to the teams and involved in safety
- Define their future responsibilities clearly
- Prepare an initial inventory of the risks and prevention duties in the company, so that the training can be directly applicable
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FAQs on PERCO training
PERCO training prepares the company's Safety Contact Person to fulfil their key role in occupational risk prevention and the implementation of legal MSST obligations. It covers safety principles, risk assessment, coordinating measures and working with MSST specialists.
This training is aimed at employees designated as PERCOs, often in SMEs or small teams, who do not necessarily have specialist safety training but who are responsible for prevention and monitoring safety measures on a day-to-day basis.
As part of the MSST system, CFST Directive 6508 requires companies to appoint and train one or more PERCOs to ensure compliance with legal requirements on safety at work. The PERCO is an essential player in ensuring prevention and reducing the risk of accidents.
The basic course generally lasts two days and covers the ten key elements of the MSST system, including safety organisation, hazard assessment, preventive measures, employee training and emergency management. The training combines theory and practical exercises.
Yes. To keep their skills up to date, PERCOs must undergo ongoing training every 2 to 3 years, including updates on regulatory developments, best practice and exchanges of experience with other professionals.
The PERCO is an internal contact person, responsible for the day-to-day coordination and monitoring of safety within the company. He or she interfaces with more qualified external or internal specialists (occupational physicians, safety engineers), who provide technical and medical support.
