Occupational physicians now among the ranks of EPFL employees

Swiss law requires that employers look after the health and safety of their workers (through legislation such as Switzerland’s labor law, a federal ordinance on maternity leave, and a directive issued by the Federal Coordination Commission for Occupational Safety). At EPFL, employees enjoy free services provided by a multi-skilled team of first-aid nurses, occupational hygienists and occupational physicians.

EPFL recently decided to invest further in its employees’ health and safety by doubling the staff allocated to this function and bringing occupational physicians in-house. Previously, only Dr. César Jaton provided occupational health services to the School, as a contractor working at 50%. But on 1 August 2022, he officially became a half-time EPFL employee. “On 15 September, I was joined by a second occupational physician, Dr. Thibaut Gaillard,” says Dr. Jaton. “Together we provide full-time coverage on campus. This lets us schedule more appointments and provide more extensive services. What’s more, Dr. Gaillard and I have complementary skillsets: I also have training in insurance medicine and work for Vaud Canton’s disability insurance office as a regional physician, while Dr. Gaillard is specialized in prehospital emergency care and in aerospace medicine.”

Investing in our community’s health and well-being

“Occupational health is usually pretty low on the list of priorities for employers,” says Dr. Jaton. “So the fact that EPFL is investing in this area is really a positive sign. I see it as a major step forward for the health and well-being of everyone at the School.”

This change is being driven by Eric Du Pasquier, the director of EPFL’s Department of Security, Safety and Facilities Operations. “By bringing occupational physicians in-house, we can keep better track of patients’ files and provide more consistent care overall,” he says. “That will also help us be more proactive and effective in expanding our prevention measures across the School, for the benefit of the entire community.”

What exactly does an occupational physician do?

The qualification of occupational physician was officially recognized by the Swiss Medical Association (FMH) in 2001. It can be obtained after completing a post-graduate specialization, along the same lines as a specialization in general medicine, pediatrics or gynecology. Occupational physicians give employees advice, guidance and support in situations where their health and well-being have been impacted by their work – or vice-versa. “EPFL employees should feel free to contact us if they have a problem or question about health and safety in the workplace, regardless of their specific function or whether they work in a laboratory, classroom, workshop or office,” says Dr. Jaton. “Appointments are strictly confidential and covered by physician-patient privilege. Our examinations are independent and objective, and our work is governed by the FMH code of ethics.”

Occupational physicians are concerned mainly with prevention, and they act on several levels. First, they assess the physical, biological, chemical, psychological and social risks associated with specific workplace situations, teaming up with other people involved in health and safety at the organization. Here the goal is to bring those risks to a level that’s as acceptable as possible.

Second, if it’s deemed that employees are exposed to a significant risk despite the technical, organizational and protective measures put in place – for example, if workers must handle a hazardous chemical compound or biological agent – an occupational physician will set up a program for monitoring their health through regular check-ups. The physician will aim to detect potential problems as early as possible, especially in individuals who are particularly vulnerable.

Third, if a worker’s health is compromised (by a disease, work-related illness or accident) such that the worker is left disabled or unable to perform his or her regular duties, an occupational physician will work with human resources to advise, orient and generally look after the worker – but without taking the place of his or her regular doctor. At EPFL, the human resources team has introduced a new process for managing absences due to illness or an accident, in order to streamline and enhance collaboration with occupational physicians. This will help employees and their managers navigate the steps involved in a long-term absence and make it easier for workers to return to their jobs or retrain. “We’ll adapt an employee’s workspace insofar as possible and coordinate the sharing of medical information, so that employees can return to their jobs under the best possible conditions,” says Dr. Janto. “Ours is a special role, at the interface between healthcare providers, employers and insurance companies.”