Institut national de recherche et de sécurité (INRS)

From acquiring knowledge to disseminating it and transforming it into practical solutions, INRS uses its cross-disciplinary resources to spread a culture of occupational risk prevention in businesses and offer tools adapted to the diversity of occupational risks.

INRS is managed by a joint board of directors representing employer associations and employee trade unions. Its budget - about 79 million euros - comes almost entirely from the National Fund for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (FNPAT). This fund is provisioned by a share of the compulsory occupational accident and disease contributions paid by firms, and managed by Social Security.

Its activities are programmed in accordance with directives from Social Security (French National Health Insurance Fund for Salaried Workers - CNAM) and policies defined by the Ministry in charge of Labour.

INRS operates on behalf of the 18.4 million employees and 2.2 million companies that fall under the general Social Security scheme.

INRS’s goal is to contribute to the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases through a set of four complementary actions. It conducts studies and research in a variety of areas, offers a wide range of training activities, develops and disseminates information on occupational safety and health, and provides assistance.

The general Social Security scheme

 In France, the general social security scheme is divided into four branches covering health insurance, compensation for occupational injuries and illnesses, pension insurance and family benefits. Social Security is funded by compulsory contributions paid by employers and employees except for occupational accidents and diseases funded exclusively by the employers. Around 70% of salaried workers fall under this general scheme. INRS covers all sectors except special sectors such as the public, agriculture, mining sectors, etc.

When acquiring and disseminating knowledge and transforming it into solutions, INRS uses its cross-disciplinary resources to spread OSH culture as widely as possible and to offer practical tools. Recognition and compensation for occupational accidents and diseases and the follow-up of medical files is not part of INRS’s missions but that of Social Security.

INRS has about 580 staff members skilled in various professions and disciplines: engineers, physicians, ergonomists, legal advisors, information specialists, training managers, etc. They lend their expertise to other prevention partners such as national and regional Social Security services, occupational health services, companies and employees themselves.

To carry out its missions, INRS has two centres: its head office in Paris (about 200 people) and a research center in Nancy (about 380 people). 

INRS Identity card

• Non-profit organisation under the aegis of Social Security
• Joint Board of Directors representing employers and employee trade unions
• Budget of approximately 79 million euros (98% from the National Fund for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases)
• 4 complementary actions: studies and research, assistance, training, and information