Occupational diseases

Occupational diseases are organic or functional alterations contracted by an insured during a professional activity, caused by exposure to specific professional risks, for instance chemicals, radiation, vibrations, noise, extreme temperatures, bad posture and repetitive movements. These illnesses can develop slowly over time, or be caused by a single exposure to a hazardous substance or situation.

Occupational diseases can affect employees in all sectors and professions, but some jobs are riskier than others.

The occupational physician has an important role to play in preventing occupational diseases by identifying and assessing occupational health and safety risks, and putting appropriate preventive measures in place in consultation with employers.

If the insured can demonstrate that they are suffering from a listed occupational disease, and that they have been exposed to a risk that is likely to have caused this disease, as part of their job, the disease is assumed to be of occupational origin.

Other than listed occupational diseases, the law provides for compensation by the Accident Insurance Association (Association d’assurance accident - AAA) for an occupational disease that is not listed, as long as the insured can clearly demonstrate its occupational origin. The occupational disease must be reported to the AAA by the patient's doctor and not by the occupational physician.

Social Security Code Art.94, Art. 95