Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a musculoskeletal disorder resulting from compression of the median nerve at the base of the palm, is the occupational disease most frequently compensated under the general social security system. The objective is to estimate the proportion of CTS cases in the general population attributable to occupational activity. Methods: Residents aged 20 to 59 who underwent surgery for CTS in Maine-et-Loire in 2002–2003 and in Bouches-du-Rhône in 2007–2008 were identified using data from facilities performing this procedure. The contribution of occupational factors to SCC was quantified using the attributable risk fraction among exposed individuals (ARFE), defined as the proportion of cases attributable to a specific occupation among those practicing that occupation. After comparing the results from the two departments, a pooled analysis of the data was performed. Results: A total of 1,500 people (including 1,053 women) underwent surgery in Maine-et-Loire and 864 (including 673 women) in Bouches-du-Rhône. The age-adjusted relative risk associated with being employed at the time of surgery was 2.0 [1.5–2.6] among men and 1.7 [1.5–2.0] among women. High-risk occupational categories included manual workers and clerical workers of both sexes, as well as female farm operators. The FRAE ranged from 32% (male employees) to 75% (manual workers of both sexes). Discussion: The occupations identified in this way are those involving physically demanding tasks. Such results can serve as a tool to aid in management and decision-making regarding the recognition of occupational diseases. (R.A.)