The decree of 14 October 2023 “creates for the general social security scheme a table of occupational diseases relating to cancers of the larynx and ovary caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust”. This recognition will enable the workers concerned “to benefit from improved compensation and support”.

The SPF Employment is launching an interactive game as part of the European “Roadmap on Carcinogens” campaign to raise students' awareness of the dangers of carcinogenic substances in the workplace. Resources are also available for teachers.

In mid-September, the government issued an ordonnance exempting teleworking employees from tax and social security contributions up to a maximum of €22 per month (for 22 working days), or €33 if a collective agreement is signed.

Workers in the food industry run a higher risk of serious accidents at work than other occupational groups. The average risk over the period 2017-2021 was 9.7 serious accidents at work per 1,000 employees. It was 15.5 for butchers and 8.9 for machine operators, who suffered the most serious accidents at work. Bakers and confectioners, although less affected, were still affected, with a rate of 5.3.

In 2022, around 38,500 people received compensation for permanent disability due to an occupational disease. And nearly 13,000 workers (private sector and provincial or local administrations, APL) filed a claim for compensation; 211 deaths were recognised, 73% of which were due to asbestos, 17% to silicosis and 10% to other diseases. These are the findings of the Fedris “Statistical Report on Occupational Diseases” 2022.