France

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 :

We are unable to address any such issues.

Focal points' contact details

  • Ministère du Travail
    39-43 quai André Citröen
    75739
    Paris
    France
    Contact person: Lucie MEDIAVILLA
    E-mail address:
    lucie.mediavilla [at] travail.gouv.fr