A sickness certificate - or medical certificate - is a document from your doctor that certifies your state of health and how this can affect your ability to work. A certificate of illness may relate to a temporary illness or a laboratory examination, and indicate that you will have to be absent from the workplace for a short period. However, many certificates refer to more serious health problems, which can affect a worker for an indefinite period of time. Follow these tips on how to get a sickness certificate.
Steps
Step 1. You must be really sick
Doctors don't issue sickness certificates if you don't need them. Before applying for a certificate of illness, you must have real malaise or justifiable harm.
Step 2. Check your company rules regarding sick leave and medical certificates
Many require a certificate when the absence exceeds a week. If your company has an internal certificate form, get it, and take it to the doctor when he visits you.
Step 3. Provide the doctor with details about the type of work you do
- Tell the doctor what kind of physical fatigue your job requires: if you have to lift heavy objects, if you have to stand for a long time, or if you are exposed to excessive heat or cold. Discuss any other physical details of your job with him.
- Also provide details on the mental commitment required. Describe situations where you are under pressure, where you need to give immediate answers, or if you are responsible for the safety of other people.
- Describe the work environment to the doctor. If you work outdoors or if you are exposed to chemicals, or if you are in contact with the public.
- Tell the doctor where your workplace is. If it is difficult to reach, if it is very far from your home or if the building in which it is located has obstacles. For example, if there are uncomfortable stairs to climb.
Step 4. Compare your illness and your job
Evaluate with your doctor to what extent you could do your job in the health condition you are in.
- Consider going back to work by reducing your tasks. For example, you could avoid lifting weights or staying outdoors for a long time while you are recovering.
- Consider if you can go back to work while recovering. Your strength and stamina may be lower due to the disease.
- Tell them that you cannot go back to work until you are fully cured or no longer contagious.
Step 5. Check the certificate with the doctor
Ask him to enter a note estimating the time you will work with reduced tasks or the time you will be absent, if it is not already on the certificate.
Step 6. Discuss the certificate with your boss
Based on the doctor's recommendations, arrange work with him. If necessary, ask for a sick leave, if the certificate requires it.
Step 7. Focus on recovery
The risk of losing your job due to illness is considerable, but by agreeing with your employer you will have time to recover without having to worry about your job.
Advice
- Do not overdo it. You may have some problems.
- Get in touch with a union if you have a union card. Trade unions can help you understand what to do to get a sickness certificate.
