On the occasion of the 14th edition of its “From School to Work” competition, the institute dedicated to occupational risk prevention is multiplying campaigns and media tools to raise awareness of and provide training in occupational health and safety. A mission of prime importance, particularly for younger generations.

For nearly eighty years, the French National Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS) has been conducting research programs to better identify workplace risks, analyze their impact on health, and propose appropriate solutions and preventive measures. While significant efforts are still needed for experienced workers, this mission appears even more necessary—and educational—when directed toward younger people. According to the French Health Insurance annual report on occupational risks for 2023, more than 60% of deaths among employees under the age of 25 occurred within one year of being hired. This striking figure is most often explained by a lack of experience and limited knowledge of the working environment.

Yet, “an epidemiological study conducted in 2018 showed that young people under 25 who received occupational health and safety training during their education experienced half as many workplace accidents as others,” emphasizes Gérard Moutche, Head of the Training Department at INRS. This compelling finding has led the organization to develop a variety of initiatives specifically aimed at training and raising awareness among young people. “Our objective is to help them acquire the right reflexes as early as possible so that they can become active participants in prevention within their future work environments and avoid occupational accidents and diseases.”

From School to Work – A Video Competition for Vocational High School Students and Apprentices

INRS is launching the 14th edition of its From School to Work competition, held under the patronage of the French Ministries of Education and Agriculture and organized since 2018 in partnership with the CCMSA (Central Fund of the Agricultural Social Mutuality System). Intended for vocational and agricultural high school students as well as apprentices, the competition invites each group, supervised by a teacher, to produce a one- to two-minute video on occupational health and safety. The goal is to encourage young people to think about the risks associated with their future professions and the ways to prevent them. Topics cover a wide range of issues—including ergonomics and posture, chemical hazards, falls, noise, and stress—and often demonstrate a thorough understanding of the challenges involved. Every year, more than one hundred videos are produced, showcasing the participants’ creativity and commitment.

Health at Work Challenge – Raising Awareness Among Higher Education Students

INRS has also sought to involve higher education students through the Health at Work Challenge. Launched nationwide in 2024, this initiative encourages students from business schools, engineering schools, and universities to develop practical ideas for improving occupational risk prevention. The competition is open to third-year undergraduate and graduate students from all fields of study—from marketing and chemistry to computer science and finance. Requiring no prior expertise, it primarily aims to foster analytical thinking and a sense of collective responsibility regarding working conditions. A total of 275 students organized into 64 teams took part in the 2025 edition of the challenge.

#MortelTonTaf – The Web Series That Talks About Prevention with Humor

Because it is also important to speak the language of younger audiences, INRS launched the web series #MortelTonTaf in 2019, featuring comedian Inès Reg. Through six short and impactful episodes, the series uses humor to address risky situations encountered in the workplace. Available on a dedicated website, it is accompanied by quizzes, practical guides, and educational infographics covering topics such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), stress, chemical hazards, falls, and addictions. This fun and accessible approach makes it possible to discuss prevention in a relaxed way while conveying essential messages: understanding hazards, anticipating risky behaviors, and adopting the right safety reflexes.

TutoPrév’ – A Tool for Training Tutors and Teachers

To support trainers, teachers, and workplace mentors, INRS and the French Health Insurance – Occupational Risks branch have developed TutoPrév’, an approach based on the general principles of prevention. Its objective is to promote active learning in occupational safety. Available online, TutoPrév’ Interactif now covers 14 sectors of activity, ranging from construction and hospitality to healthcare and energy professions. The tool helps users identify hazards, understand their causes, and propose practical solutions through realistic workplace scenarios. It is intended for vocational school teachers, apprenticeship supervisors, and workplace mentors responsible for onboarding new employees.

A Prevention Culture Built Collectively

These various initiatives reflect INRS’s strong conviction that risk prevention should not be viewed as a mere administrative requirement, but rather as a genuine collective reflex. By involving young people from the very beginning of their training, the Institute helps shape a generation of professionals who are more aware, more responsible, and better prepared for the realities of the workplace. Training, informing, and experimenting: three complementary levers for embedding a lasting culture of safety. This approach is all the more essential because today’s young people will become tomorrow’s managers and supervisors. Providing them with the right tools also means preparing safer companies that are more attentive to everyone’s health and well-being.

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