Frequency of Exposure to the Main Biomechanical Risk Factors for Occupational Wear and Tear Among Women and Men in the CONSTANCES Cohort

Introduction: As part of France’s 2023 pension reform, a fund for the prevention of occupational wear and tear (FIPU) was established to limit exposure to three criteria: manual handling of loads, awkward postures, and mechanical vibrations. This study aims to identify the occupational groups most exposed to the three FIPU criteria, as well as to an additional biomechanical risk factor (repetitive motion). Method: The analyses are based on cross-sectional data from the CONSTANCES cohort (Consultants at Health Examination Centers). Exposures to the three FIPU criteria and to repetitiveness were described by occupational group (FAP). Results: Among men, the occupational groups most exposed to at least one of the three FIPU criteria are skilled construction workers (structural and finishing work: 95.8% and 88.1%) and metal forming workers (86.0%). Among women, the most affected occupational groups are home care aides/housekeepers (80.3%), nursing assistants (79.2%), and child care providers (77.1%). The inclusion of the repetitiveness factor increases the proportion of exposed workers, particularly among women, and highlights new occupations compared to those identified using the FIPU criteria. Discussion: This study provides valuable insights by offering precise quantitative data on exposure to biomechanical risk factors in France, with a breakdown by gender. In this regard, it helps better identify the factors to consider for the prevention of work-related wear and tear.

Author(s): Morvan Gwladys, Bodin Julie, Major Marie-Eve, Fouquet Natacha, Bénezet Laetitia, Bouziri Hanifa, Zins Maris, Goldberg Marcel, Roquelaure Yves, FOUQUET Natacha

Publishing year: 2025

Pages: 35-46

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