The invention relates to a switching device of the emergency stop type. This device comprises in particular a control assembly (1) and a switching assembly (2). The switching assembly (2) comprises an actuation switch of the normally-closed type and a detection switch of the normally-open type that are placed in series in an electric circuit. The switching assembly (2) includes in particular a mechanical device for monitoring that it is properly engaged on the control assembly (1) by opening the detection switch when the switching assembly (2) is mechanically disconnected from the control assembly (1).