Health and Safety Protections

French law places extensive obligations on employers to ensure workplace safety:

Employer Obligations

• General duty to ensure worker safety and health
• Risk assessment and prevention plans
• Provision of necessary protective equipment
• Regular medical examinations
• Adaptation of work to the individual
• Priority for collective over individual protection measures

Employee Rights

Workers have significant rights regarding workplace safety:

• Right to refuse dangerous work (droit de retrait)
• Protection for whistleblowers reporting safety violations
• Access to occupational health services
• Participation in safety planning through representatives
• Training on workplace hazards

Psychosocial Risks

France has been pioneering in recognizing psychological risks at work:

• Legal obligation to prevent workplace stress
• Recognition of burnout as potential occupational disease
• Requirements to assess and prevent workplace harassment
• Employer liability for psychological harm