09/09/2008
Work-related diseases prevalence is reaching 5.4% among the 73.500 employees who took part in a study carried out in 2006 by the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance. Participants were examined by occupational doctors on a voluntary basis.

The main diseases reported by workers were diseases of the locomotor system (59%), psychological disorders (21.5%) and loss of hearing (6.4%). The highest prevalence was observed in the industrial and financial sectors (7.1%), followed by the healthcare, building and trade sectors. Work-related diseases are reported in 80% of cases among blue collars and employees. The psychological disorder prevalence is lower among blue collars (0.6%) than in other socio-professional categories (between 1.8 and 2.1%).

• The study (in French)