From occupational medicine to occupational health: Status and future tasks of OHS in France

Since 1946, the French system of occupational medicine has been quite unique in the world. Occupational medicine services established by legislation 60 years ago are being transformed into occupational health services. The main symbols of the reform are the abolition of “THE” annual medical examination for all and the generalization of “pluridisciplinarity”. In fact, the reform of occupational medicine is only one element of a radical transformation of the system. Social progress and economic prosperity, sustainable growth and social cohesion have to be reconciled through the “Occupational Health Program 2005-2009”.