Introduction: why a practical guide to MSST in 2025?
The MSST (occupational physicians and occupational safety specialists) is no longer a simple “compliance file”: it is an operational method for reducing accidents, controlling risks and making business safer. In 2025, Swiss SMEs are expected to do three things: assess their hazards, implement proportionate measures and prove control of the system.
This guide gets straight to the point: a clear method, concrete examples and models to build an MSST that makes sense, without a gas factory.
This guide is part of our complete dossier on safety and health at work in Switzerland.
The legal and operational context in Switzerland
- Obligation de résultat pour l’employeur : Protect the health and safety of employees, including via a structured system (organisation, roles, evidence, monitoring).
- Principle of proportionality: the level of requirement depends on your actual risks (activity, processes, machines, products, working at height, electricity, RPS/TMS) and on your size.
- Executioners: depending on your activity, you will be inspected by the Suva (sectors/operations with particular hazards) or by the cantonal labour inspectorate (tertiary sector, administration, health, education, etc.). The SECO coordinates and harmonises implementation; the CFST/EKAS issues directives and provides tools.
- Traceability required: beyond good intentions, we expect proof: hazard assessment, dated action plan, training/habilitation registers, critical procedures (LOTO, height, chemistry), periodic checks, indicators, management reviews.
To remember: what counts is not having “all possible documents”, but having the right elements, up to date, aligned with your risks – and easily retrievable.
Expectations of inspections and Suva
During an inspection, the inspector or prevention consultant is looking to check quick that your MSST is alive and effective. Expect these demands:
- Clear governance
- Signed OHS policy, roles and responsibilities (management, MSST referent, specialists, management, field relays).
- Safety committee schedule and reports with decisions followed by action.
- Credible hazard assessment
- Simple but rigorous methodology (severity × probability, acceptability criteria).
- Top risks identified (machines, height, hazardous energies, chemistry, RPS/TMS…) and priorities clear.
- Proportionate action plan
- Technical, organisational and human measures, dated, with responsible persons named.
- Proof in the field: photos, inspection reports, test reports, certificates.
- Skills and authorisations
- Skills matrix by position.
- Registers of training/habilitations (BLS-AED-SRC/IAS, fire-evacuation, LOTO, height, chemistry, ergonomics).
- Critical procedures and emergency preparedness
- Updated and accessible operating procedures (consignment/LOTO, work permit, chemicals, evacuation plan).
- Documented exercises and feedback.
- Monitoring and continuous improvement
- Simple indicators (accidents, near misses, action closure rates, training coverage).
- Periodic management review and adjustments.
The right mindset: show a pragmatic mastery. An effective MSST is visible in the field, not just in a filing cabinet. In the rest of the guide, you’ll find step-by-step steps, examples by sector and checklists/models to move from theory to action.
Table of contents
- Introduction: why a practical guide to MSST in 2025?
- Understanding the MSST rationale before you start
- Step 1: Identify hazards and assess risks
- Step 2: Draw up a proportionate action plan
- Stage 3: involving MSST specialists (occupational physicians and safety experts)
- Stage 4: Training and raising awareness among employees
- Step 5: Document and prove compliance
- Step 6: Monitor, correct and continuously improve
- Conclusion: from mandatory MSST to strategic leverage
Understanding the MSST rationale before you start
Implementing an MSST system is more than ticking administrative boxes. It is a structured process, designed to meet two imperatives:
- Legal compliance: complying with the obligations set out in CFST Directive 6508 and the requirements of Suva or cantonal inspectorates.
- Operational effectiveness: establish a prevention culture that reduces real risks and improves the company’s overall performance.
The key idea is simple: your MSST must be proportionate to the hazards present in your business. An office-based SME does not have the same requirements as a construction site or a chemical industry.
The 3 fundamental pillars of MSST
- Structured risk assessment
Identify physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial hazards, then rank them according to their severity and probability. - Documented action plan
Define concrete measures (technical, organisational, behavioural), assign responsibilities and set realistic deadlines. - Monitoring and continuous improvement
Implement indicators, train employees, monitor the effectiveness of measures and adjust regularly.
Why a progressive approach is essential
Many companies make the mistake of wanting to “do everything at once”. The result is a heavy, theoretical dossier that sits in a filing cabinet.
In contrast, a step-by-step approach, with practical templates and checklists, allows :
- involve teams quickly,
- prove compliance during an audit,
- and capitalise on continuous improvements rather than an administrative “gas factory”.
Discover our prestation Concept MSST for turnkey support
Step 1: Identify hazards and assess risks
The first building block of a solid MSST is a structured risk assessment. Without a clear diagnosis, it is impossible to define a relevant action plan. The aim is to identify all the hazards present in the company, measure their severity and identify the measures needed to control them.
How to identify hazards in your company
A “hazard” is any situation or condition likely to cause an accident, illness or damage to health. Here are the main categories to look at:
- Physical hazards: machinery, tools, electricity, noise, radiation.
- Chemical hazards: hazardous products, solvents, dust.
- Biological risks: infectious agents, handling biological samples.
- Organisational risks: stress, mental workload, working hours, ergonomics.
- Risks related to the environment: height, work in confined spaces, internal traffic.
A systematic visit to workplaces, supplemented by interviews with employees and an analysis of past accidents or near misses, provides a concrete basis.
Simple methods for assessing risks
For SMEs, there’s no need for complex tools. A probability × severity matrix is often enough.
- Probability: unlikely, possible, frequent.
- Seriousness: benign, serious, critical.
The crossover enables prioritisation: a critical risk even if unlikely should be treated as a priority.
A number of tools exist to help you:
- Grids and models from the CFST/EKAS;
- Sectoral checklists from the Suva;
- Excel spreadsheets or collaborative tools to centralise identified hazards.
Practical example
- Mechanical workshop: risk of crushing with a hydraulic press (medium probability, critical severity) → priority action.
- Administrative office: risk of workstation-related musculoskeletal disorders (high probability, low to medium severity) → corrective action to be planned.
Good practices to remember
- Involve employees: they know their tasks and the real hazards best.
- Document each hazard identified with a clear description and a photo if possible.
- Highlight and record in a hazard register, which will become the basis of your MSST action plan.
Step 2: Draw up a proportionate action plan
Once the hazards have been identified and prioritised, the next step is to define a proportionate action plan. This plan must translate the diagnosis into concrete measures, tailored to the size of the company and the actual risks.
The common mistake is to want to “deal with everything at once”. It is better to have a targeted, realistic plan that is followed up than an exhaustive list that is never applied.
How to prioritise actions
- High priority: hazards that are critically serious (risk of death or disability), even if the probability is low. Example: working at height without protection, unsafe machinery.
- Medium priority: hazards that are frequent but of limited severity. Example: MSD linked to workstation ergonomics.
- Low priority: minor or easily controlled nuisances. Example: moderate noise in an office.
The rule is simple: act quickly on the critical, plan action on the rest.
Examples of proportionate measures
- Small office company (10-20 people)
- Ergonomic adjustment of workstations.
- Training of 1-2 in-house BLS-AED first aiders.
- Annual audit of the evacuation plan.
- Industrial company (50-200 people)
- Securing machinery (casings, emergency stops).
- LOTO training (consignment/unconsignment).
- Targeted medical monitoring (noise, chemical substances).
- Evacuation plan with regular drills.
- Construction site
- Collective protection and PPE for working at height.
- Signposting and internal traffic.
- Risk-specific training (scaffolding, machinery, chemicals).
How to formalise the action plan
An effective action plan must include:
- Corrective action: what needs to be done.
- Designated person responsible: who drives the action.
- Deadline: when the action must be completed.
- Status: in progress, completed, postponed.
- Proof: document, photo, inspection report.
Centralise this information in a tracking table (Excel or dedicated tool). This document will be requested in the event of an inspection and is proof that the company is taking action.
Expert tip
A living action plan is reviewed at least once a year. Every new machine, organisational change or incident should trigger an update.
Stage 3: involving MSST specialists (occupational physicians and safety experts)
The MSST system is based on the principle of recourse to specialist skills as soon as the hazards exceed what the company can manage on its own. This step is crucial: it shows that the employer takes its obligations seriously and guarantees prevention tailored to the real risks.
When calling in specialists is compulsory
An employer must call in specialists as soon as :
- the company uses dangerous machinery (presses, pressure equipment, site machinery);
- it handles chemical products or noxious substances;
- work is carried out at height, confined spaces or ATEX zones;
- the activity involves particular exposure (noise, vibration, dust, radiation, biological agents);
- recurring problems arise (frequent accidents, occupational illnesses, high stress).
Even a tertiary SME can be affected: for example if it is facing psychosocial risks (PSR) or musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).
Role of the occupational physician
The occupational physician (or health specialist) intervenes on:
- the adapted medical monitoring (noise, chemistry, ergonomics, high-risk positions);
- the analysis of working conditions (light, ventilation, organisation of working hours);
- the prevention of RPS/TMS and monitoring of absenteeism;
- the advice to management on possible adaptations.
Role of the safety specialist
The safety specialist takes responsibility for:
- the technical analysis of risks (machinery, electrical, fire, explosion);
- the drafting or validation of critical procedures (LOTO, ATEX, work permits);
- the implementation of organisational measures (signage, instructions, internal circulation);
- the targeted training of exposed employees.
How to choose your experts properly
- Check their certifications: they must be recognised in accordance with CFST Directive 6508.
- Privilege sector-specific experience: a building specialist does not cover the same risks as a chemical industry expert.
- Ensure that you complement each other: doctors and safety experts work hand in hand, in liaison with management and HR.
- Formalise the collaboration: written assignment, duration, expected deliverables (reports, training, follow-up).
Good practice
- Involve your specialists in safety committees so that they are involved in steering the process.
- Have them review your risk assessments and action plans.
- Keep a record of opinions and recommendations: this proves your compliance in the event of an audit.
For a better understanding of the framework of CFST Directive 6508 >
Stage 4: Training and raising awareness among employees
An effective MSST is not limited to documentation and external experts: it relies on the competence of employees. Training and awareness-raising turn prevention into a daily reflex and give teams the means to act correctly in the event of a hazard or emergency.
Crucial training courses
Some training courses must be included in every MSST, depending on the size and activity of the company:
- BLS-AED-SRC (Basic Life Support + defibrillator) : essential for having in-house first-aiders capable of reacting to cardiac arrest or serious discomfort.
- IAS 1 & IAS 2 (advanced first aid): reinforces the skills of first responders, useful at sites with particular risks.
- Fire training and evacuation: learn how to use fire extinguishers, raise the alarm and evacuate effectively.
- Machine safety and consignment (LOTO): mandatory whenever maintenance work is carried out on dangerous machinery.
- Work at height, chemicals, ATEX, electricity: depending on the risks identified during the assessment.
- Ergonomics and MSD prevention: adjusting workstations, manual handling of loads.
- Psychosocial risk awareness (RPS): stress management, burnout prevention, internal communication.
Keeping a safety culture alive
Training once is not enough. Prevention must be maintained and updated.
Good practice:
- Regular refresher training: most training courses are valid (2 years for BLS-AED-SRC, for example).
- Practical exercises: annual evacuation, fire simulations, first aid scenarios.
- Safety debriefings: integrated into team meetings or daily worksites.
- Visuals and reminders: posters, checklists, QR codes linking to internal procedures or videos.
- Feedback in the field: every employee must be able to report a hazard or suggest an improvement.
Why training is strategic
- For the company: fewer accidents, better risk control, legal compliance.
- For employees: feeling of safety, confidence in the organisation, ability to act in an emergency.
- For management: tangible proof of commitment to safety, strong argument during inspections.
Step 5: Document and prove compliance
An MSST is only worthwhile if it can be demonstrated during an inspection. Inspectors (Suva, cantonal inspectorates) want to see clear evidence that the company actually and does not limit itself to intentions. Documentation is therefore an essential part of the system.
Evidence expected during an inspection
- Hazard register
- List of identified risks (machinery, chemicals, MSD, RPS, fire, etc.).
- Product documentation.).
- Prioritisation with severity and probability.
- Update date.
- OSH action plan
- Planned actions, people responsible, deadlines, status.
- Regular monitoring (actions completed, overdue, to be planned).
- Training and authorisations
- Register of employees trained (BLS-AED, IAS, fire, evacuation, LOTO…).
- Training and refresher dates.
- Attestations available.
- Safety procedures and instructions
- Written operating procedures (lockout/tagout, chemical handling, evacuation).
- Accessibility in the field (posters, QR codes, intranet).
- Proofs in the field
- Internal inspection reports, audits, technical controls.
- Dated photos of compliance.
- Minutes of safety committees.
Downloadable templates and checklists
To save time and standardise documentation, we recommend using ready-to-use templates :
- Hazard assessment grid.
- MSST action plan template.
- Training/habilitation matrix.
- Check-list “Suva inspection/cantonal inspection”.
These documents, tailored to your sector, serve not only as formal proof, but also as internal steering support.
Best practices to remember
- Centralise documentation in a single file (paper + digital).
- Schedule an annual update and after each major change (new machine, reorganisation, accident).
- Involve management: validation by management is a strong signal to the authorities.
- Prepare a “control pack” immediately accessible in the event of an audit (register, action plan, training, key evidence).
Check your compliance before an audit with our initial audit.
Step 6: Monitor, correct and continuously improve
An MSST is not a one-off project: it is a living system that evolves with the company, its activities and its risks. Once the action plan has been launched, regular monitoring must be ensured to maintain its effectiveness and demonstrate that prevention is an integral part of the company culture.
Annual monitoring and updating
- Annual review: at least once a year, the MSST must be reviewed. This review is used to check:
- the progress of planned actions;
- the relevance of existing measures;
- new hazards that have appeared (new machines, processes, products).
- Post-event update: any accident, near miss, or major change (e.g. new production line) must trigger an immediate update.
- Fixed calendar: including it in the annual diary (e.g. November) ensures that it is never forgotten.
Examples of indicators and dashboards
Effective monitoring relies on simple, meaningful indicators :
- Rate of actions completed: % of actions in the plan completed on time.
- Training coverage rate: % of employees who have attended mandatory training courses.
- Number of accidents and near misses: monthly monitoring and trend analysis.
- Hazard alerts: volume of field alerts, indicator of team involvement.
- Equipment compliance rates: periodic checks on machines, PPE, fire installations.
This data can be presented in a visual dashboard (Excel, Power BI, Google Data Studio). This is not a luxury: during an audit, showing a graphical follow-up sends a strong signal of mastery.
Good practices for continuous improvement
- Involve management: a credible MSST is driven at the highest level, not just by the safety manager.
- Value successes: communicate internally about successful actions, certifications obtained, falling accident rates.
- Encourage feedback from the field: every employee must feel authorised to report a hazard without fear.
- Integrate prevention into projects: new equipment, a new building, a new organisation → the MSST must be consulted right from the design stage.
- Sectoral benchmarking: compare your indicators with your branch’s standards to make continuous progress.
Conclusion of the guide:an effective MSST is not a constraint, but a strategic lever. Properly managed, it reduces accident-related costs, improves the employer image and boosts the confidence of customers and partners.
Find all our resources and services in our occupational health and safety area.
Conclusion: from mandatory MSST to strategic leverage
Implementing a MSST is not just a legal obligation dictated by CFST Directive 6508. Above all, it is a strategic opportunity :
- Reduce risks and protect your employees;
- Optimise your costs by reducing work stoppages and absenteeism;
- Improve your employer image and strengthen the confidence of your partners, customers and insurers;
- Anticipate inspections and avoid penalties by proving your compliance.
To sum up: a well-constructed MSST is not an administrative burden, but a profitable investment that improves your company’s safety, performance and reputation at the same time.
Ready to take action?
- Download our MSST templates and checklists to get started straight away.
- Or entrust us with your project: our team supports SMEs and large companies in building a pragmatic, compliant and effective MSST.
We're here to give you personalised help.
Fill in this form and our team will guide you towards the ideal option for your requirements.
FAQ MSST in Switzerland
MSST refers to the obligation for employers to use occupational physicians and safety specialists to organise a structured prevention system tailored to their risks.
Yes, all companies must assess their hazards and implement appropriate measures. Calling in specialists is compulsory as soon as the risks exceed in-house skills (machinery, chemistry, height, etc.).
The authorities expect a hazard register, a MSST action plan, a training/certification register, written procedures and field tests (reports, photos, checks).
It all depends on the size and activity of the company. A tertiary SME can roll out its MSST in a few weeks, while an industry or construction site requires several months and the support of external specialists.
Depending on the sector, inspections are carried out by the Suva (special risk sectors) or by the cantonal labour inspectorates, under the coordination of the SECO.
