Introduction - Data on work-related and commuting accidents compensated by Social Security are underutilized in France. Can this data be used to calculate national indicators for monitoring work-related fatal accidents? Methods - For employees, the number of deaths and the mortality rate from work-related accidents and commuting accidents (by sex, age, industry, and accident mechanism) were calculated by compiling data from eight Social Security agencies. For both salaried and self-employed workers, estimates of the number of deaths, the mortality rate, and the proportion of accidental deaths attributable to work-related causes were produced. Results - Among salaried workers, the average annual number of deaths from work-related accidents and commuting accidents reached 1,330 between 2002 and 2004. The mortality rate from work-related accidents among men is very high in three sectors: agriculture, forestry, and fishing; transportation; and construction. For all workers, the average annual number of deaths from work-related accidents and commuting accidents is estimated to be between 1,478 and 1,640. Conclusion - Despite the limitations of the data used, it was possible to calculate, for the first time, national indicators on fatal workplace and commuting accidents, allowing for an assessment of the significance of this health issue in France and its comparison with other occupational health problems. (R.A.)