4,812 occupational physicians* practice in France, with the rate of feminization of the profession reaching 68% (compared to 49% for all specialties combined).
“The occupational doctor is a general practitioner. The patient can therefore discuss any health problems with himespecially if it is related to his work“, explains Michel Cymes who recalls this essential difference with other practitioners: “The scope of action of the occupational physician is prevention.“. Clear, he does not intervene in care but can prescribe medical examinations. In addition, it does not prescribe work stoppage, a prerogative which remains the responsibility of the attending physician. Concretely, employees – and since 2021 all self-employed workers via occupational health centers – are subject to obligatory medical visitsat key moments: upon hiring, when resuming their activity during and after a long sick leave and, in all cases, every 5 years.
An important healthcare professional
For 15% to 20% of employees exposed to special risks, such as carcinogenic products, an additional visit before taking up a position is obligatory then a follow-up every 2 years, alternating consultations with the occupational physician and another occupational health professional, most often a nurse. Furthermore, and at any time, the employee can requestwithout advance costs, an appointment with the occupational doctor to discuss problems related to their working conditions (psychosocial risksnoise…).
And the employer in all this?
Exchanges between the patient-employee and the doctor are marked with the seal of confidentiality. No medical information will be transmitted to the management of his company, professional secrecy remaining the basic rule, common to all health professionals. In addition, the employer is required to ensure the safety of its employees. Thus, when the occupational physician recommends the adaptation of workstations, the employer is legally required to do so immediately. This shows the importance of this health professional in improving everyone’s working conditions.
* Data Dress, 2022
Read also :
⋙ Occupational doctor: definition, role, and when to contact him?
⋙ Work accident: definition, examples, compensation, duration of work stoppage
⋙ I do not (or no longer) have a GP, what should I do?