Program for the Surveillance of Occupational Diseases in France - Results of the MCP Fortnightly Reports for the Period 2019–2023
Santé publique France, in collaboration with the Occupational Health Inspection Service and the regional health observatories, is responsible for monitoring work-related illnesses (MCP) among French employees. Work-related illnesses (MCP) are defined as illnesses or symptoms that may be work-related but have not been recognized by the Social Security systems. This concept complements that of recognized occupational diseases (MP). The objective of the ODD surveillance program is to provide indicators on these conditions by specific employee populations, defined in particular by occupation or sector of activity. In participating regions, for two consecutive weeks each semester, each participating occupational physician reports all ODDs observed among employees who come in for a consultation. Socioprofessional data on the employees seen are also collected during these periods to calculate the prevalence of MCPs by gender, age, socioprofessional category, and sector of activity. From 2019 to 2023, the program covered six regions in mainland France and two overseas departments and regions. The participation rate of occupational health teams declined from 13% in 2018 to 9% in 2020–2021 before rising again to 12% in 2022–2023. The highest prevalences of work-related health issues over the 2019–2023 period were associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and psychological distress. In every year, the prevalence of MSDs was higher among women than among men. Regardless of gender or year, a social gradient was observed for MSDs, with the highest prevalence among manual laborers. When adjusted for socioprofessional characteristics, the risk of MSDs was highest in the information and communication and trade sectors for men, and in the agriculture sector for women. MSDs were most often associated with biomechanical factors such as physical exertion, postural strain, or repetitive movements. Approximately two out of three MSDs reported as work-related injuries corresponded to a work-related disability. More than three-quarters of these MSDs had not been reported as work-related disabilities, primarily due to a lack of awareness on the part of the employee or an inadequate diagnostic evaluation. Psychological distress was reported two to three times more often among women than among men. Unlike MSDs, an inverse social gradient was observed for psychological distress, with its prevalence being highest among managers and intermediate-level professionals. After adjusting for socioprofessional characteristics, the risk of psychological distress was highest in the construction sector for women and in the financial and insurance sector for men. Psychological distress was almost systematically associated with organizational, relational, and ethical factors—specifically, the functional organization of work, workplace relationships, and the demands inherent in the job. This assessment, covering the 2019–2023 period, complements previous reports and presents findings influenced by the health crisis, which should be considered in light of the results from the post-COVID period. This epidemiological surveillance program, unique in France, is essential for documenting the underreporting of work-related illnesses and for helping to guide occupational health and safety policies.
Author(s): Homère Julie, Delézire Pauline, Garras Loïc, Fouquet Aurélie, Fernet Florence
Publishing year: 2026
Pages: 89 p.
Collection: Monitoring Data
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