France records 668,000 work accidents in 2023, with temporary jobs most hazardous

In 2023 France logged 668,510 work accidents that caused at least one day of sick leave, according to Dares, the statistical service of the Ministry of Labour. The incidents resulted in 818 fatalities, 40,531 recognitions of partial permanent incapacity and the loss of the equivalent of 159,325 full‑time jobs.

The highest accident frequency was observed in temporary‑employment (intérim) agencies at 31.3 accidents per million paid hours, followed by transport and storage, construction, agriculture and health‑social services. Young workers under 20 experienced the greatest number of accidents (25.7 per million hours) but tended to have less severe outcomes, whereas workers aged 50‑59 faced the highest rate of serious injuries.

Small firms with fewer than 250 employees reported higher accident rates than larger organisations, which generally implement more prevention measures. The data underline persistent sector‑specific risks and the need for targeted occupational‑safety policies.