In France, statistics are now available for work-related accidents and occupational diseases that occurred in 2004. The occupational diseases which have been mostly diagnosed are in a decreasing order of importance musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), asbestos-related diseases and low back pain.
         
2004 has been described as a "mixed year" by the French authorities. The situation varies from one sector to another. In the private sector, the number of accidents and work-related deaths has decreased for the second consecutive year. By contrast, the figures are alarming in terms of serious injuries caused by the job. Between 2001 and 2004 figures have increased by 16.8%.

In  agriculture, the situation of recently employed workers, i.e. under two years, is worrying. These workers are involved in 53% of the accidents occurring in this sector.

In the public sector, the number of deaths caused by working conditions has decreased in 2004 by 26%. For the same period, the percentage of work-related accidents has increased by 13%.

The number of occupational diseases acknowledged by the authorities has been constantly on the rise since 1996. According to the authorities of the Labour Department, this increase is caused by higher recognition of work-related diseases due to improvements in the implementation of workers' legal rights.  The authorities believe that workers health and safety conditions have not become worse.  

Source : Journal de l'Environnement