Occupational medicine · Art. 17c Labour Act
Night work.
Examination and advice.
The medical examination for night and shift workers required under the Swiss Labour Act — in Zurich, right at the main station. The SECO form is completed and signed during the appointment.
Who it is for
Compulsory for some, a right for everyone else.
The Labour Act distinguishes two cases. Both are carried out with the same care here — and your employer pays for both.
Mandatory
Where the strain is particular
For young people doing regular night work, and for employees whose night work involves particular hazards or heavy strain: noise, air pollutants above half the workplace limit, high physical or psychological demands, lone working, or long shifts without rotation with day work.
On request
From 25 nights a year
Anyone working at least 25 nights in a calendar year is entitled to a medical examination and advice — whether or not a particular strain is involved. The entitlement is against the employer and needs no justification.
The process
One appointment, around 30 minutes.
Details in advance
The law requires the examining physician to be familiar with the work process and working conditions. Please send us your shift pattern, the number of night shifts per year, and any particular strains or hazards before the appointment.
Examination
History covering sleep, cardiovascular and metabolic health, together with your personal situation — caring responsibilities, living arrangements. Blood pressure, height, weight. From age 40, or where risk factors are present, a small fasting blood test.
Decision and form
You receive the assessment in writing: fit, conditionally fit, temporarily unfit, or unfit. The SECO form is completed and signed, along with personal advice on managing night work.
Please bring: the SECO form from your employer, details of your shift pattern, a list of any medication, and identification. Please come fasting.
Context
Who pays — and who learns what.
The company bears the cost
Under Art. 17c para. 3 of the Labour Act the employer bears the cost of the examination and advice, including any small laboratory tests required. Neither you nor your health insurance pays anything. Give us the company's billing address and we will invoice them directly.
Findings stay at the practice
The company receives only the fitness decision — no diagnoses, no laboratory values, no findings. Those stay here unless you expressly release them. If the examination shows something that ought to be looked into, we discuss it with you and with no one else.
Common questions
Good to know.
Who has to attend?
The examination is mandatory for young people doing regular night work, and for employees whose night work involves particular hazards or heavy strain — noise, air pollutants above half the workplace limit, high physical or psychological demands, lone working, or long shifts without rotation with day work. Anyone working at least 25 nights in a calendar year is entitled to an examination and advice regardless.
Who pays for it?
Your employer. Under Art. 17c para. 3 of the Labour Act the employer bears the cost of the medical examination and advice, including any small laboratory tests required. Neither you nor your health insurance pays anything. The examination costs CHF 150 and is invoiced directly to the company.
What does my employer find out?
Only the fitness decision — fit, conditionally fit, temporarily unfit, or unfit. Diagnoses and findings are not passed on. They stay at the practice unless you expressly release them.
How often is it repeated?
As a rule every two years, and from age 45 annually on request. Where the examination is mandatory, the first one takes place before the night work begins. If it is combined with a driving licence medical, the interval may be extended by one year — often the more practical route for professional drivers on night duty.
Can I be examined by a female doctor?
Yes. Women have the right to be examined by a female physician. Tell us when you book and we will refer you accordingly — it is entirely your choice and costs you nothing.
What should I bring?
The SECO form from your employer, details of your shift pattern and the number of night shifts per year, a list of any medication you take, and identification. Please come fasting — from age 40, or where risk factors are present, a small blood test forms part of the examination.
Been given a form by your employer?
Send us your shift pattern in advance and the appointment takes about 30 minutes. Companies with several employees are welcome to contact us directly for group appointments.
