Glossary
A Lettre A
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An Account Executive is responsible for managing sales opportunities, developing client relationships, presenting solutions, negotiating terms and closing business. The role often works closely with sales development and customer success teams.
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The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) helps make workplaces safer, healthier and more productive for the benefit of businesses, employees and governments. It develops, collects and disseminates reliable, balanced and impartial occupational safety and health information and promotes communication among stakeholders in this field across Europe.
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The French Standardization Association (AFNOR) is France's official body responsible for developing voluntary standards and representing French interests in international standardization organizations. It helps develop and disseminate standards that facilitate trade and improve the quality, safety and efficiency of products and services.
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The National Agency for Adult Vocational Training (AFPA) is a French organization that provides vocational training for adults to support their entry or re-entry into employment. It offers a broad range of programs across different sectors, enabling people to acquire new skills or change careers.
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The French Agency for Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (AFSSET) was a French public body responsible for assessing health risks related to the environment and work. In 2010, it merged with the French Food Safety Agency (AFSSA) to form the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES).
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An Account Manager manages ongoing client relationships, understands customer needs, coordinates service delivery and identifies retention and growth opportunities. The role serves as a primary point of contact between the customer and the company.
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The National Agency for the Improvement of Working Conditions (ANACT) is a French public body that seeks to improve working conditions and promote social innovation in companies. It provides resources and tools and supports organizations in implementing workplace-improvement initiatives.
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An occupational accident is a sudden incident that causes injury or disability to an employee while working or commuting between home and work, whereas an occupational disease results from prolonged exposure to harmful conditions or substances in the workplace. Both may qualify for compensation and medical coverage, although specific rules and reporting procedures vary by jurisdiction.
B Lettre B
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The International Labour Office (ILO) is a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights. It provides guidance on labour policies, develops international labour standards and offers technical assistance to member countries to improve working conditions and promote decent work for all.
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The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) develops voluntary European standards to facilitate trade among European countries and ensure the safety, performance and quality of products and services. It works with national standards bodies, businesses and stakeholders to develop harmonized standards that support innovation and competitiveness in the EU.
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The Intercompany Centre for Occupational Health and Medicine (CISME) is a French organization bringing together intercompany occupational health services. It promotes workplace health and safety by helping companies prevent occupational risks and improve working conditions, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized businesses that may lack in-house resources.
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The Intercompany Centre for Safety, Health and Working Conditions is a structure that may provide occupational health and safety services to several companies within a region or sector. Through risk assessments, training, advice and shared resources, it helps prevent accidents and occupational diseases, improve working conditions and support regulatory compliance.
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The National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) is the French public body that manages the general health insurance scheme. It provides healthcare coverage for most of the French population, reimburses medical care and medicines, and promotes preventive action to protect public health.
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The body responsible for accrediting laboratories and certification and inspection bodies varies by country. In France, this role is performed by the French Accreditation Committee (COFRAC), which assesses technical competence and verifies compliance with national and international standards. Accreditation helps ensure the quality and reliability of the services provided.
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that can evaporate into the air at room temperature or slightly above. They come from sources such as cleaning products, paints, varnishes, adhesives, fuels and industrial emissions. VOCs can affect indoor and outdoor air quality; prolonged or high-level exposure may cause irritation or respiratory problems, and some VOCs are classified as carcinogenic.
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The Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) is a local French agency that manages health-insurance registration and reimbursements for residents in its area. As part of the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) network, it implements health-insurance policies, processes reimbursement claims and provides information and services to insured persons.
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The Regional Health Insurance Fund (CRAM) was a French public body that managed health insurance at regional level, supervised local CPAM funds and coordinated occupational-risk prevention. Since 2010, CRAMs in mainland France have become Retirement and Occupational Health Insurance Funds (CARSAT), while overseas CRAMs retained their name.
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The Regional Committee for the Recognition of Occupational Diseases (CRRMP) reviews occupational-disease cases that are not clearly covered by the statutory occupational-disease schedules in France. Its medical professionals assess claims using the available medical evidence and the worker's employment circumstances, particularly when the link between the illness and occupational exposure is complex.
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A Customer Success Manager helps customers achieve the expected value from a product or service. The role supports onboarding and adoption, monitors satisfaction, addresses risks and encourages retention and expansion.
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The French Public Health Code is a collection of French laws and regulations governing public health, health security and healthcare professions. It covers public-health protection, regulation of medical and paramedical professions, healthcare-facility management, health-risk prevention and disease management. It is regularly updated and is a key reference for healthcare professionals, facility managers and policymakers.
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The French Social Security Code is a collection of laws and regulations governing the social-security system. It covers health insurance, occupational accidents and diseases, family benefits, retirement insurance and unemployment benefits, and defines the rights and duties of insured persons, employers and social-security institutions.
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The Health, Safety and Working Conditions Commission (CSSCT) is a specialized body within the Social and Economic Committee (CSE) of organizations in France. It addresses workplace health, safety and working conditions by fostering dialogue between employers and employee representatives, analysing occupational risks and proposing improvements to jobs and workstations.
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The French Labour Code is a collection of laws and regulations governing employment relationships and working conditions in France. It covers employment contracts, working time, occupational health and safety, vocational training, trade-union rights and dismissal procedures, helping protect workers' rights while balancing employer and employee interests.
D Lettre D
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Declaring an occupational disease in France first requires a medical certificate establishing the link between the illness and the person's work, followed by submission of a declaration form to the CPAM. The CPAM then investigates the claim; if the disease is recognized as occupational, the employee may receive healthcare coverage and, where applicable, compensation.
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The Data Protection Department or Officer is responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with laws and regulations governing personal data. It serves as a key contact for supervisory authorities and data subjects and helps the organization comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other data-protection laws.
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A Data Protection Officer (DPO) is an individual or entity appointed within an organization to oversee compliance with personal-data protection laws, particularly the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The DPO acts as an intermediary among the organization, regulators and data subjects while advising on secure data processing and best practices.
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The Regional Directorate for Health and Social Affairs (DRASS) was the French public body responsible for implementing health and social policies at regional level, including oversight of healthcare facilities and social services. In 2010, DRASS offices were replaced by Regional Health Agencies (ARS), which continue these functions and also manage health-insurance and public-health prevention activities.
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The Regional Directorate for Industry and Research (DRIRE) was a French public body responsible for supervising and supporting regional industrial development and research. Its functions were later incorporated into broader regional government directorates whose responsibilities also cover the economy, employment, labour and social cohesion.
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The Single Occupational Risk Assessment Document (DUERP) is mandatory in France for every company with at least one employee. It identifies and assesses the occupational risks to which workers are exposed so that appropriate preventive measures can be implemented. It must be updated at least annually, subject to applicable company-size rules, and whenever significant workplace changes occur.
E Lettre E
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Collective protective equipment (CPE) includes devices and systems installed in a workplace to protect all workers from occupational hazards. Unlike personal protective equipment, it aims to eliminate or reduce risks at source or create a collective barrier. Examples include ventilation systems, machine guards and fall-prevention installations.
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Personal protective equipment (PPE) protects workers from risks to their health and safety at work. It includes items such as safety helmets, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, safety footwear and respirators, each designed to protect against specific hazards such as impact, cuts, splashes, noise or hazardous substances.
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The term temporary work equipment may refer to equipment or installations used for a limited period to perform specific tasks, such as temporary scaffolding, provisional project installations or rented machinery. Such equipment must comply with safety standards and be used according to instructions to prevent accidents and incidents.
F Lettre F
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A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides detailed health, safety, environmental and protective information about a chemical substance or mixture. It includes the product's properties, hazards, safe handling and storage, first-aid measures, spill response and disposal guidance, helping workers and emergency personnel use chemicals safely.
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An adverse event report form is used to document an unexpected incident that caused or could have caused harm, particularly in healthcare or care settings. It records the circumstances, consequences and immediate actions so the event can be analysed and corrective or preventive measures implemented.
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Electronic Document Management (EDM) refers to the digital organization, storage, retrieval, sharing and archiving of documents. It improves access to information, version control, traceability, security and collaboration while reducing reliance on paper records.
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A Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) is software used to plan, track and optimize maintenance activities. It centralizes equipment records, work orders, preventive-maintenance schedules, spare-parts inventories and maintenance histories to improve equipment reliability and control costs.
H Lettre H
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Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a preventive food-safety system that identifies, evaluates and controls biological, chemical and physical hazards. It establishes critical control points, limits, monitoring procedures and corrective actions throughout the food-production process.
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The French National Authority for Health (HAS) is an independent public authority that issues recommendations and opinions on healthcare. It assesses medicines, medical devices and health technologies, promotes good practice and care pathways, and supports the quality and efficiency of the French healthcare system.
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The High-Level Structure (HLS) is the standardized framework used for international management-system standards. It aligns their structure and terminology, making them easier to implement together, and covers organizational context, leadership, planning, support, operations, performance evaluation and improvement.
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Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) are interconnected disciplines that protect people's health and safety and preserve the environment. Organizations use HSE policies, procedures and programs to prevent accidents, minimize health risks, reduce environmental impacts and comply with regulations. Measures include waste management, air and water protection, employee training and emergency planning.
I Lettre I
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INRS is a French organization dedicated to preventing occupational accidents and diseases. It provides training, publications, practical tools and other resources to help employers and employees improve workplace safety and working conditions.
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An Occupational Risk Prevention Specialist (IPRP) supports companies in implementing occupational-risk prevention programs. The specialist helps identify and assess risks, recommends preventive action and contributes to improving working conditions in accordance with applicable regulations.
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A Standing Safety Instruction is a permanent written rule that sets out the precautions, responsibilities and procedures to be followed for a recurring activity or hazard. It supports consistent safe working practices, employee awareness and compliance with applicable HSE requirements.
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The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental organization that develops and publishes international standards. These standards promote the quality, safety, efficiency, reliability and interoperability of products, services and systems across sectors and countries, facilitating international trade and innovation.
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The Labour Inspectorate is the French public authority responsible for monitoring employer and employee compliance with labour laws and regulations. It inspects working conditions, protects workers' health and safety, provides guidance on rights and duties, recommends corrective measures and may initiate legal proceedings where labour law is breached.
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The Safety Checklist for Contractors is used to ensure that contractors comply with health, safety and environmental standards when working for a client company. It covers risk assessment, training and competence, protective equipment, safe procedures, incident management and safety-performance monitoring.
M Lettre M
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An occupational physician plays a central role in preventing occupational risks and protecting employees' health at work. The physician conducts medical examinations, advises employers and employees on occupational health, and contributes to prevention policies and workstation adaptations.
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An occupational disease is a medical condition caused or aggravated by a person's work. It may result from exposure to harmful substances, hazardous working conditions or repetitive movements. Official recognition may entitle the affected person to benefits and compensation under the applicable national legislation.
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A nonconformity is a failure to meet an established specification, standard or expectation in a product, service, process or management system. Managing nonconformities helps identify causes, implement corrective action and continuously improve quality, effectiveness, customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
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Adopted in September 2015 by all 193 United Nations Member States, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide an action plan for peace, people, the planet and prosperity through multi-stakeholder partnerships. The 17 interconnected goals and 169 targets seek to eradicate poverty and achieve a just transition to sustainable development by 2030.
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The Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) provided a framework for managing occupational health and safety responsibilities through policies, processes, plans, practices and procedures. It helped organizations control workplace risks, improve safety performance and integrate health and safety into their wider operations. OHSAS 18001 has since been replaced by ISO 45001.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for directing and coordinating international efforts to combat disease and promote public health. It develops guidance and standards, supports countries during health emergencies and promotes evidence-based research and policy to improve health worldwide.
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The ORSEC plan is the French framework for organizing the response of government services and local authorities to major disasters or serious events. It coordinates the necessary resources, roles, alert procedures, communications and protective action and may be activated at departmental, regional or national level depending on the nature and scale of the emergency.
P Lettre P
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The Annual Prevention Action Plan lists the practical measures an organization intends to implement during the year to prevent occupational risks and improve workplace safety. Actions may include employee training, equipment inspections, safety procedures and communication of good practices.
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An Environmental Assurance Plan sets out the procedures and measures an organization uses to comply with environmental regulations and manage the risks arising from its environmental impact. It generally covers regulatory monitoring, waste management, pollution prevention, training, stakeholder communication and corrective action.
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Its purpose is to ensure that the action plan developed following an occupational risk assessment is clearly defined, measured and implemented.
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A Radiation Protection Officer is trained and authorized to oversee the protection of workers and the public from ionizing radiation. Responsibilities include implementing safety measures, monitoring radiation doses, training personnel and ensuring compliance with radiation-protection regulations in fields such as nuclear medicine, industry and research.
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Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) is a four-stage continual-improvement cycle: plan the objective and method, implement the plan, check the results against expectations, and act to standardize success or correct shortcomings.
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A General Coordination Plan is a construction-site occupational health and safety document that coordinates the activities of the various companies working on the same site. It generally covers hazard identification, preventive measures, emergency procedures, stakeholder responsibilities and overall site planning.
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A Specific Health and Safety Protection Plan (PPSPS) is prepared for a construction project in France to detail the measures needed to protect workers' health and safety. Prepared by the contractor, it is incorporated into the General Coordination Plan when several companies are involved and covers site-specific risks, emergency procedures, protective equipment and responsibilities.
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An Occupational Health, Safety and Prevention Policy states an organization's commitment to protecting employees and other stakeholders. It defines guiding principles, objectives and values for preventing accidents, reducing occupational risks and promoting health at work, providing a framework for concrete action plans.
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A Quality Plan is a formal document describing the procedures, practices and resources used to ensure the quality of an organization's products, services or processes. It defines quality objectives, performance criteria, responsibilities, control stages, assurance methods and monitoring indicators.
Q Lettre Q
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Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) are key disciplines in organizational management. QHSE systems and policies help ensure product and service quality, maintain hygiene standards, protect workers and the public, preserve the environment, minimize risks, improve performance and support regulatory compliance and sustainability.
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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an organization's voluntary integration of social, environmental, ethical and economic considerations into its activities and relationships with stakeholders. It aims to create sustainable value while accounting for the company's impacts on society and the environment.
S Lettre S
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A Sales Development Representative identifies and qualifies prospective customers, conducts initial outreach and books meetings or creates qualified opportunities for Account Executives. The role typically focuses on early-stage pipeline development rather than closing sales.
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An Integrated Management System (IMS) combines several management systems—such as quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety—within a single coherent framework. It reduces duplication, aligns objectives and processes and supports more efficient governance and continual improvement.
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A Quality Management System (QMS) is a structured set of policies, processes, procedures and responsibilities used to consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements. It supports process control, performance measurement, corrective action and continual improvement.
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A Central Prevention Service coordinates occupational-risk prevention activities across an organization. It may provide expertise, guidance, training, monitoring and support to ensure that safety policies are applied consistently and that preventive action is effective.
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Social security is the system of public protection that helps individuals cope with financial and social risks such as illness, occupational accidents, disability, unemployment, family responsibilities and retirement. Its scope and benefits vary by country.
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Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) encompasses the policies and practices used to protect people, prevent accidents and occupational illness, and limit environmental impacts. It includes risk assessment, prevention, training, compliance monitoring and continual improvement.
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Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) covers the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses and the protection of workers' physical and mental health. It relies on risk assessment, preventive measures, training, consultation and compliance with applicable requirements.
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A Workplace First-Aid Responder is an employee trained to provide immediate assistance following an accident or medical emergency at work. The responder assesses the situation, gives first aid, alerts emergency services and helps prevent further danger while awaiting professional care.
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A subcontracting agreement is a contract under which a principal contractor assigns part of its contractual work to another company. It defines the scope, responsibilities, deadlines, quality and safety requirements, payment terms and other obligations of the parties.
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Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect muscles, tendons, nerves and joints and may be caused or aggravated by repetitive movements, force, awkward postures, vibration or insufficient recovery. Prevention includes ergonomic design, work organization, training and early reporting.
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