French Labour Code
In forceI.-The Agence nationale pour l'amélioration des conditions de travail (National Agency for the Improvement of Working Conditions) is a national public administrative body under the supervision of the Minister for Labour.
As part of the tasks entrusted to it pursuant to Article L. 4642-1, the Agency carries out actions aimed at influencing the determining factors in working conditions, in particular the organisation of work and industrial relations, with a view to improving them.
Its fields of action, within the framework of public policies, cover in particular :
1° Promoting health at work and quality of life at work, in particular when designing work organisations, equipment and facilities;
2° Preventing occupational risks as part of work organisation;
3° Improving the working environment by adapting workstations, workplaces and work situations.
The agency also makes its expertise available to help employees express their views on the conditions in which they carry out their work, particularly during projects to transform companies and organisations, and to assist social dialogue on working conditions issues.
The activities carried out by the agency in the field of improving working conditions and quality of life at work contribute in particular to access to and retention in long-term employment of workers, to the development of workers' knowledge and skills throughout their working lives and to professional equality.
II - To carry out its missions, the agency :
1° Conducts experimental projects in companies, associations and public bodies ;
2° Develops and produces, on the basis of these experiments, tools and methods that can be used by employers, workers and their representatives;
3° Provides the information, dissemination and training required to use these tools and methods;
4° Conducts monitoring, research and forecasting activities on issues relating to working conditions;
5° Develops partnerships with other players in the field of working conditions, at national and international level, in particular to contribute to the development of innovative approaches;
6° Drawing up practical guides on improving working conditions for occupational health professionals and companies.
The agency's actions mentioned in 1° to 5° of this II, carried out if necessary through the intermediary of any relevant player such as professional, consular or training organisations, primarily benefit small and medium-sized enterprises. They may be carried out to meet the needs of the State, local authorities or any other legal entity governed by public law.
The agency's involvement with public bodies is subject to a contract setting out the financial terms and conditions.
The agency conducts its activities in compliance with the principles of neutrality and impartiality with regard to the players in the company, association or public structure within which it is called upon to intervene.
