Occupational risk assessment: the role of the DUERP for employers

In France, the occupational risk assessment document (DUERP) is a mandatory document listing the occupational risks to which employees are exposed. It identifies risks, organizes prevention, tracks actions and ensures exposure traceability.

Verified on May 11th 2026

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In a nutshell

  • The occupational risk assessment document (DUERP) is mandatory for all employers from the first employee.
  • It lists occupational risks by work unit.
  • It serves as a key and central tool for prevention and monitoring risk exposure.
  • It is developed with several internal and external stakeholders.
  • It must be updated regularly and retained for 40 years.

What is the purpose of the DUERP?

The occupational risk assessment document (DUERP) is an operational management tool for prevention, which makes it possible to identify the actions to be implemented and the business resources that can be mobilized. It structures health and safety policy, facilitating the monitoring of risks over time. It includes an implementation schedule.

  • In businesses with 50 or more employees, the employer must establish an annual program for the prevention of professional risks and the improvement of working conditions (PAPRIPACT).
  • In businesses with fewer than 50 employees, the employer must define a list of prevention and protection actions adapted to the identified risks.

What are the guiding principles of risk assessment?

In France, the employer must assess occupational risks to protect the health of employees.

This assessment constitutes one of the foundations of the business’s prevention policy. It is formalized in the DUERP.

It lists all the risks to which employees are exposed and ensures the traceability of professional exposures.

Stakeholders involved

The development of the DUERP is the responsibility of the employer, but several stakeholders may contribute to it depending on the size and organization of the business:

  • The Social and Economic Committee (CSE), where one exists.
  • Employees with expertise in prevention matters.
  • The occupational health and prevention service.
  • Other organizations may be consulted as needed: the French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS), the National Agency for the Improvement of Working Conditions (ANACT), etc.

Methodology

In practice, given the nature of the business’s activities, the employer assesses the risks to the health and safety of workers in the choice of:

  • Manufacturing processes.
  • Work equipment.
  • Substances used.
  • The layout of workplaces.
  • Work organization
  • Workstations.

The risk assessment must take into account differences in exposure based on profiles (age, gender, etc.).

How is the DUERP implemented?

The DUERP formalizes the results of the risk assessment. It includes an inventory of risks by work unit, lists the prevention actions already in place and may include supplementary appendices.

 

Form

There is no mandatory template provided by regulations. The DUERP can be created in either paper or digital format.

 

Development method

Data resulting from the occupational risk analysis must be centralized into a single document. The analysis must be consistent and structured, and the results must be traceable over time.

In practice, the employer identifies the work units, lists the associated risks, assesses their level of severity or frequency, and then formalizes the existing or planned prevention measures.

When the business has a CSE, it is consulted on the DUERP and its updates according to the applicable rules.

 

Appendices

The appendices include data on risk exposure and specify the proportion of employees exposed.

How to update and retain the DUERP

The DUERP must be updated regularly to remain consistent with the reality of the business and the risks actually faced by employees.

This update is performed:

  • Whenever there is any change in health and safety or working conditions.
  • When new risks emerge.
  • At least once a year in businesses with more than 11 employees.

The CSE is consulted for each update, and the document is transmitted to the occupational health service.

 

Retention and access

The DUERP is retained for 40 years and must be made available to:

  • Employees and former employees.
  • Members of the staff delegation of the CSE.
  • The occupational health and prevention service.
  • Labor inspection officers.
  • Prevention service officers from social security organizations

Officers from professional health, safety and working conditions organizations.