Human Resources

Accident at work A suicide attempt due to labor is a

Publié le 28 septembre 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

Accident at work A suicide attempt that occurs at the workplace but outside of work hours is considered a suicide attempt when it is established that it occurred for professional reasons. This is what the Court of Cassation stated in a judgment of 1er June 2023.

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Image 1Crédits: H_KB - stock.adobe.com

One employee, in conflict with his management, attempted to end his life at his workplace but outside working hours. The incident took place against a backdrop of inter-union tensions, after the employee had learned that the Minister of Labor had authorized his dismissal for gross misconduct. The CPAM refused to take responsibility for these facts under professional legislation. The employee therefore brought the matter before the judge.

The appeals court rejected the employee’s application because the suicide attempt occurred at the workplace but outside working hours. It also considers that the employee’s intention was to highlight the injustice he thought he was being subjected to. His act was therefore “thoughtful and deliberate” and could not constitute an accidental fact.

The Court of Cassation quashes and quashes the appeal judgment. Accident at work It recognizes a dismissal on the ground that the drug ingestion was due to the imminent dismissal. In addition, attempting to end one's life in the workplace reveals a "... demonstrative intent which is the result of thoughtful and voluntary action."

Accident at work Thus, an attempt to commit suicide by an employee constitutes an act of suicide where it is due to his employment situation. In the present case, the imminent dismissal had caused the employee to attempt suicide.