In a report published on April 18, Santé publique France expressed concern about the increase in reports of work-related illnesses between 2012 and 2018. The institute also deplores the lack of awareness among employers and employees in relation to CAM and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
More reports among women, workers and the elderly
The first piece of information from theSanté publique France study: the rate of reporting of work-related illnesses is increasing almost continuously. From 4.9, % in 2017, it reached 7.1% among men in 2018. Among women, the rate of reporting rose to 11.4% in 2018, up from 6.2% in 2007.
In terms of age, the reporting rate for women increases until age 45-54, before decreasing after age 55. For men, the curve continues to rise as age increases.
By sector of activity, industry and construction are the most represented in reports of CAM for men. For women, warehousing and transport activities are the most affected.
MSDs are over-represented in CAM
The other key information concerns the overrepresentation of musculoskeletal disorders in CAM. MSDs represent almost half of the reports for men. Mental distress comes in second place, with one third of the reports. Allergies, irritations and hearing disorders each account for less than 5% of the pathologies reported.
Among women, 40% of reports are related to musculoskeletal disorders. 52% are related to psychological suffering. Psychological disorders particularly affect women aged 35 to 44 and men aged 45 to 54. Moreover, Santé publique France notes a significant difference in the rate of MSD reporting, depending on the social rank of the workers.
Indeed, blue-collar workers are particularly affected by these pathologies, whereas managers seem to be spared. However, the doctors who conducted the study put this result into perspective, as it is likely to be distorted by a possible under-reporting of psychological disorders among workers.
On the origins of MSDs, the authors believe that more than 80% of the reports come from biomechanical factors:
- Work with force
- Bad posture
- Repetitive movements
Psychological suffering is 99% the result of organizational, relational and ethical factors (FORE). Half of these OREFs are related to the functional organization of work.
Finally, the study specifies that 75% of MSDs falling within the scope of an occupational disease (OD) were not declared as an occupational disease. This under-reporting is explained by the employee's lack of knowledge of the reporting procedure and by the inadequacy of a diagnostic assessment.
Lessons from the Santé publique France report
The CAM surveillance system of Santé publique France allows the quantification, with varying degrees of accuracy, of work-related diseases and occupational illnesses in companies.
The study also improves the understanding and identification of risk situations in terms of CAM. The high prevalence of psychological disorders and CAMs among workers over 45 years of age highlights, for example, the need to integrate the age factor into the distribution of jobs and tasks in companies.
With regard to MSDs, a better understanding of the biomechanical factors that cause problems helps companies make the right decisions regarding QWL. Some employers could, for example, strengthen the protection of employees against the harmful effects of awkward posture, repetitive movements and heavy lifting.
Concrete solutions exist. The passive exoskeletons developed by ErgoSanté are one of them. Our posture harnesses support manual workers in strenuous tasks, such as :
- work at height,
- carrying heavy loads,
- repetitive movements
- prolonged holding of the arms forward or upward.
Lightweight, non-bulky and adjustable to all sizes, HAPO exoskeletons are suitable for all manual jobs. Painters, wine growers, caregivers, landscapers, oyster farmers and construction workers have already adopted this solution.
About the CAM Surveillance Program
The CAM surveillance program of Santé publique France was created in 2004. The Regional Health Observatories and the Occupational Medical Inspectorate also participate in this program. It is interested in all pathologies that may be related to a professional activity, without being recognized as an occupational disease by the Social Security. The program's monitoring activities are based on the observations of volunteer occupational physicians during the CAM Fortnight.
In 2018, 1014 occupational physicians participated in at least one CAM Fortnight. In the same year, the CAM surveillance program studied more than 40,000 cases of employees who reported one or more work-related diseases. The surveillance mechanism covers 7 metropolitan regions and 2 overseas departments.
Santé publique France plans to extend the system to the whole of metropolitan France and its overseas territories. It is counting on the support of software publishers to achieve this objective. The latter are responsible for developing IT tools to facilitate and secure exchanges between healthcare professionals who have access to DMST* and DMP**.
*DMST: Occupational Health Medical Record
**DMP: Shared Medical Record