So yesterday I received an accident-related "arret de travail" (i.e. a stop work order) from the doctor, but beyond the doing the obvious (don't go to work) I'm not quite sure what else I'm supposed to do. Searching the forum didn't turn up anything on the subject from what I could tell.

Apart from informing my boss, should I submit a copy of this stop work order to HR (which is a bit hard to do as I'm currently stuck at home) or to my accident insurance providers (or both)? Also, I'm not sure how this will affect my pay and/or my vacation time, and if it does, to what extent.

Anyone have any experience/advice??

Thanks in advance,

HeatherM, aka 'the Cripple'

PS-I know the obvious thing to do is 'ask at work' regarding protocol, but our administrative assistant is currently away, and my boss and co-workers are all recent transplants from Germany, and are even more clueless about Swiss employment issues than I am!! Hence I'm asking in the forum.

I would inform both your employer and health insurer immediately in writing. It's even more important if it was an accident at work and they may be implicated.

dave

Hi Dave,

Actually, HR and my insurer already know about my non-work related mishap, which happened a few weeks ago. I've filled out an accident declaration form with HR and received my 'feuille-accident LAA' (accident papers) from my insurer, who is (obviously) covering all my medical expenses. So that side of things has already been taken care of.

However, because my condition isn't improving, my doctor has decided I need to take a break from work for a week or so, then return at 50% capacity for a few weeks after that. My question is now that I've been told to stop working, who do I inform and how will it affect my pay/leave?

HeatherM

The short answer is to talk to your employer to find out their policy on the matter. Then, if you feel they're trying to take advantage of you, pursue it further both here and with an attorney.

Inform your boss orally - no need for a letter unless he specifically asks for it. Forward the stop-work order to HR. A stop work order should have no influence on pay and leave. Even better - if it happens during leave days, then these are added back to your leave balance.

That's just the info I was looking for. Thanks!

One quick question... is there a pressing need to get the letter to HR right away? Running out to find a photocopier and a letterbox seems to sort of go against the idea of staying at home and resting my aching limb. Do you think it could wait until I go back next week?

HeatherM

No, it doesn't need to be immediate, just give them a call to let them know you have it and will forward it to them once back in the office and I'm sure they will be fine with it.