The French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (Institut de Veille Sanitaire (InVS)) and the occupational medical inspection service of the Ministry of Labour, published in August 2008 a study entitled Work-related disease surveillance by an occupational physician’s network, France.

According to this study, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are, in France, among the most frequently reported occupational diseases, ahead of mental suffering and hearing disorders.

The InVS, in collaboration with the occupational medical inspection service of the Ministry of Labour, relies on existing regulations to implement a surveillance programme of work related diseases (WRDs) reported by a network of occupational physicians in charge of medical surveillance of all salaried employees. In 2007, seven regions participated in this programme. In 2006, four regions participated in the programme and results are presented in the Bulletin épidémiologique hebdomadaire (BEH) No. 32, published on 26 August 2008 (in French).

Here is an abstract in English.

For musculoskeletal disorders, postural constraints (handling heavy loads, vibrations due to machinery, etc.) are the main causes for men, particularly in the construction, metallurgy and agriculture sectors. As regards to women, it appears that work rhythm and computer terminal work are the main sources of these pathologies.

Psychological problems, including depression and sleep disorders, are more present in finance and trade. They are linked to problems of management, stress, working hours, violence and harassment.

The study examines the incidence of diseases considered by occupational physicians as attributable to work, and estimates the extent of under-reporting of diseases that could be recognized as compensable.

For more information on MSDs, see the ILO Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety. It includes: