What should I do in case of a workplace accident? (cross-border guide)
Answered with official sources — Rights, dismissal and mobbing
Updated 11 August 2026
Answer
Notify the employer immediately and request the accident-notification form, sent to SUVA (or LAINF insurer) within 3 days source: Fedlex LAINF RS 832.20. The doctor treats and certifies work incapacity. SUVA covers all medical costs without deductible (LAINF art. 10), pays a daily allowance of 80% of salary from day 3 (LAINF art. 16), and in case of permanent disability pays a pension up to 80% of salary or impairment compensation. Cross-border workers receive benefits even when treated in Italy (translated invoice). Employees with <8 hours/week are covered only for work accidents. Severe or fatal accidents: notify police + OCA (Cantonal Work Safety Body). Appeal SUVA within 30 days (LPGA art. 56).
Official sources
Other questions on this topic
- Is dismissal always lawful in Switzerland?
No. Although the principle of contractual freedom applies (CO art. 335), dismissal is abusive if motivated by protected grounds (CO art. 336): nationality, ethnic background, religious or political opinion, trade-union activity, age, gender, family status, whistleblowing.
- Who pays salary during long-term illness?
Beyond the CO scale (see salary FAQ) the collective AIGM (daily illness allowance) kicks in from day 31 in most cases. It covers 720 days in 900 at 80-90% of salary, funded by AIGM contributions split employer/employee.
- How do I protect myself from mobbing in Switzerland?
The employer has a duty to protect employees' personality (CO art. 328 and LTr art. 6). Mobbing — repeated psychological harassment at work — breaches this duty and triggers civil liability.
- Which unions can I join as a cross-border worker?
Cross-border workers may freely join Swiss unions for contractual assistance, grievances and legal advice. Main Ticino unions: OCST (Christian-Social Ticino Organisation, 38,000 members), UNIA (industry, construction, crafts, 180,000…
- Does Swiss law provide a TFR equivalent as in Italy?
No, there is no mandatory TFR. The severance indemnity (CO art. 339b-339c) is only due to workers aged ≥50 with ≥20 years of service and equals 2-8 months of salary; it has been largely replaced by 2nd-pillar (LPP) benefits since 1985.
- Am I eligible for short-time work compensation (RHT) as a cross-border worker?
Yes. The Swiss LACI (Unemployment Insurance Act, RS 837.0) art. 31 provides Short-Time Work Compensation (RHT) for those suffering temporary work loss (order drop, COVID, exceptional events).
- Must the employer issue a work certificate (Arbeitszeugnis)?
Yes, mandatorily (CO art. 330a). A full work certificate (Arbeitszeugnis) must state: activity, duration, quality of work and conduct, written in Swiss-standard coded language (standardised neutral formulas, never explicitly negative).
- Am I protected against workplace discrimination as a cross-border worker?
Yes. The Free Movement Agreement (AFMP) Annex I art. 9 requires equal treatment between Swiss and EU/EFTA workers on pay, social benefits, working conditions and training. The Gender Equality Act (LPar RS 151.1) bans gender discrimination in hiring, promotion, dismissal, pay.
The information on this page is for guidance only and does not replace personal advice from an accountant, lawyer or union office. Tax, social-security and permit rules change frequently: always verify with the official sources linked in each answer.