Health and safety at work

Management of the material topic (GRI 3-3)

It goes without saying that Galenica attaches great importance to the physical and mental health of its employees. The topic covers the effects of business activities on the physical and mental well-being of all employees. There is an increased risk of accidents, particularly in the Wholesale & Logistics and Pharmacies units, which is why occupational health and safety play such a key role in these areas. Galenica has a duty to prevent any violation of the physical or psychological integrity of its employees in the workplace. This keeps both personal suffering and costs to a minimum. Galenica also strives to identify potential health risks at an early stage and ensure a swift return to work after an illness or accident. Galenica thus makes a significant contribution to the health and well-being of its employees.

Health and safety precautions for employees (GRI 403-1, 403-5, 403-6, 403-7)

Galenica puts in place measures to protect employee health and maintain safety in the workplace in accordance with the directives of the Federal Coordination Commission for Occupational Safety (FCOS). In late 2024, Galenica drafted a concept for company-wide workplace health management (WHM). This is to be introduced in 2025 following approval by the Executive Committee. Galenica also uses a case management system in order to identify potential health risks for employees and take appropriate measures. This tool is deployed within the first 30 days of absence. The top priority is to ensure that the employee can return to work quickly following an illness or accident. Galenica is working with the organisations Movis and Carelink to improve health protection. Carelink offers emergency psychological support in crisis situations, for example following a robbery of a pharmacy. Movis provides support for employees concerning the protection of their personal integrity as well as stress management and burnout prevention. The Galenica Group also offers all employees an annual flu vaccination.

Due to the increased risk of accidents, the companies Alloga and Galexis also have a systematic absence management system. In the event of above-average or frequent absences, and even after long absences, a return-to-work meeting is held and documented with the employees. Together with Suva, Alloga and Galexis organise training courses on accident prevention and promotion of a safety culture. For example, various courses on ergonomics and trip hazards were also held in 2024.

An integrated safety system has also been introduced at the Galexis sites in Lausanne-Ecublens and Niederbipp that recognises safety-relevant work and situations and also systematically records accident reports for all employees in a timely manner and presents them transparently (e.g. in an accident barometer).

In 2024, both Galexis and Alloga signed up to the Safety Charter, which was launched by Suva in collaboration with employers’ associations, engineers and architects and trade unions, sending a strong signal in favour of a comprehensive safety culture.

In the Galenica Group pharmacies, two employees have been designated as safety officers at each site and have received extensive training on the safety-relevant aspects of the respective location.

The Pharmacies, Healthcare and Wholesale & Logistics units have appointed occupational safety officers. Each Galenica Group site also has fire protection officers who are responsible for fire safety and evacuations, as well as a first aid team that organises first aid.

The Code of Conduct for Suppliers of the Galenica Group states that suppliers must ensure a safe and healthy working environment and guarantee the protection of their employees in accordance with all applicable health and safety regulations. Further information on the Code of Conduct for Suppliers can be found in the section Integrity in the supply chain.

Objective occupational health

↗  Realistic
→ Partially delayed/critical
↘  Critical
=  Achieved
×  Not achieved

The absence rate due to occupational accidents was maintained (+0.01%) in 2024. This result can be attributed to various operational measures.

The total number of cases of long-term absences (>30 days) due to mental illness is known. In order to ensure anonymity, however, Galenica only receives the proportion of cases due to mental illness from the daily allowance insurance records in the event of a large number of cases. The exact illness-related reason for the absence is unknown. This means that no conclusions can be drawn and privacy protection is guaranteed. Compared to the previous year, the number of cases due to mental illness increased by 24%.

Evaluation of the management approach and measures

• Key figures: Employee absences are regularly analysed by the People & Culture department and appropriate measures are taken.
• Safety audit: External safety consultants regularly carry out safety audits at the Service Unit Wholesale & Logistics.
• At Galexis, internal safety audits (inspections) are also carried out on a monthly basis with the corresponding department heads, and measures to improve occupational safety are identified and documented.

Work-related injuries and illnesses (GRI 403-9, 403-10)