Occupational health prevention: what are the 3 levels defined by the WHO?

Occupational health prevention is an essential approach aimed at protecting the physical and mental health of employees, while improving working conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prevention is divided into three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. Understanding these levels allows businesses to put in place effective strategies to ensure the well-being of their employees.

What is occupational health prevention?

Occupational health prevention encompasses all actions aimed at anticipating, identifying and control occupational risks that may affect the health of workers. It aims to reduce workplace accidents and occupational diseases and to promote well-being at work.

In France, in 2020, one person in employment out of five declared having had a health problem in the last twelve months, of which 36% believed that the problem had been caused or aggravated by work.

Why structure prevention at 3 levels?

The WHO distinguishes three levels of prevention to structure occupational health actions:

• Primary prevention : avoid the appearance of risks.
  
• Secondary prevention : detect risks or disorders early.
  
• Tertiary prevention : limit the consequences of a health problem that has already been declared.
  

This classification allows companies to develop a global and coherent approach to prevention, by acting at each stage of occupational risk.

The 3 levels of prevention defined by the WHO applied to the world of work

1. Primary prevention

Primary prevention aims to avoid the occurrence of occupational risks by acting on the factors likely to cause them.

Examples of actions :

• Occupational risk assessment and update of the Single Occupational Risk Assessment Document (DUERP).
  
• Training employees in good security practices.
  
• Ergonomic layout of workstations.
  
• Promotion of the quality of life at work (QVT).

However, less than half of French companies had an up-to-date DUERP in 2019, with only 41% of establishments with 1 to 10 employees concerned (source: Le Monde).

2. Secondary prevention

Secondary prevention consists in detecting risks or disorders early in order to act quickly to avoid them getting worse.

Examples of actions :

• Regular medical supervision of employees.
  
• Implementation of stress self-assessment questionnaires.
  
• Individual interviews to identify signs of discomfort.
  
• Use of indicators to monitor mental health in the workplace.
  

In 2022, 44% of employees were in psychological distress, and the burn-out rate has doubled since 2020. (source: Le Monde)

3. Tertiary prevention

Tertiary prevention aims to limit the consequences of health problems that have already been declared, by facilitating professional reintegration and by avoiding relapses.

Examples of actions :

• Workstation layout for an employee with disabilities.
  
• Establishment of psychological support cells.
  
• Programs for the gradual return to work after a long illness.
  
• Peer-aiDance, such as Sanofi's “Cancer and Work: Working Together” program, which supports employees affected by cancer through peer helpers.

How to implement a 3-level prevention strategy in your company?

To deploy an effective prevention strategy, it is essential to:

1. Achieve a QVT diagnosis Initial : identify risks specific to the company.
   
2. Involve internal actors : management, managers, staff representatives.
   
3. Implement appropriate actions : training, facilities, support systems.
   
4. Ensure regular follow-up : assess the effectiveness of the measures and adjust them if necessary.

Support from experts, such as those from Qualisocial, can facilitate the implementation of this global approach.

Occupational health prevention, structured according to the three levels defined by the WHO, is an essential lever for ensuring the well-being of employees and the performance of the company. By taking action at every stage, from identifying risks to reintegrating into the workforce, businesses can create a healthy and sustainable work environment.

Do you need support to structure your occupational health prevention approach?