Why is a statutory Medical Checkup mandatory before starting work in France?

In France, a statutory medical checkup is a legal requirement designed to safeguard both employees and employers.

The statutory medical checkup is an occupational health assessment mandated by French labor law. It serves several critical functions:

Purpose: The primary aim of the medical checkup is to ensure that employees are fit to perform their job duties and that the workplace is safe for them. It helps in identifying any health issues that might affect an employee’s ability to carry out their tasks and ensures that appropriate measures are in place to prevent workplace accidents or health issues.
Information and Prevention Visit (IPV): This visit must be conducted within 3 months of the employee’s start date. Additionally, it is required to be renewed every 5 years after the initial checkup.

Mandatory for All Employees: The medical checkup is compulsory for all new employees. It must be scheduled before the employee starts working, with no option for backdating the appointment. This ensures that all employees are assessed before beginning their roles.
Organizing the Checkup: The checkup can be arranged through a Service de Prévention et de Santé au Travail (SPST), which specializes in occupational health services.
Frequency: After the initial checkup, employees must undergo a follow-up medical visit every five years to ensure ongoing health and safety compliance.

Legal Compliance: Adhering to this requirement is crucial for legal compliance and helps avoid potential fines or legal issues related to workplace health and safety.
Employee Safety: The checkup ensures that employees are not assigned tasks that could pose health risks and that any necessary adjustments or precautions are made to protect their well-being.
Workplace Safety: By identifying potential health issues early, employers can take proactive steps to prevent workplace accidents and ensure a safe working environment for all employees.

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