The French system for the prevention of occupational risks comprises:
- the Ministry of Labour, which draws up and implements French occupational health and safety policy and manages cooperation with the social partners in the Conseil d’orientation sur les conditions de travail (COCT) [Steering Committee on Working Conditions].
- the social security bodies, which contribute towards occupational risk prevention in the area of industrial accidents and occupational diseases. Exclusively financed by employers’ contributions, the system is managed by the social partners. It is supported by the Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie des Travailleurs Salariés (CNAMTS) [National Health Insurance Fund for Salaried Workers] and Caisses Régionales d’Assurance Maladie [regional health insurance funds].
- scientific, operational and medical bodies responsible for preventing, anticipating, spreading awareness of, and managing occupational risks. The main body is the Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail [French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety], which helps to improve knowledge of occupational risk prevention. The Agence nationale pour l’amélioration des conditions de travail [National Agency for the Improvement of Working Conditions] offers advice to companies and takes action in the operational area of occupational risk prevention.
- Lastly, occupational medical services are provided by occupational health officers whose exclusively preventive role lies in ensuring there is no deterioration in the health of workers owing to their work
If you are looking for information on labour law issues (e.g. employment contracts, safety and health at work) then please see :
- The local labour administration - Directions régionales de l'économie, de l'emploi, du travail et des solidarités : Portail national des directions régionales de l'économie, de l'emploi, du travail et des solidarités (dreets.gouv.fr)
- Ministry of labour : Ministère du Travail, du Plein emploi et de l'Insertion (travail-emploi.gouv.fr)
- French labour code : Code du travail numérique - Ministère du Travail
- The French national institute for safety and health at work - Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité pour la prévention des accidents du travail et des maladies professionnelles (INRS) : Santé et sécurité au travail - INRS
We are unable to address any such issues.