The National Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS) is a French Institute competent in the area of occupational risk prevention: protecting workers’ health and safety and preventing occupational accidents or diseases. Its missions include: anticipating needs (with studies and research programmes), raising awareness (via information products, prevention campaigns) and assistance (through technical guidance, information resources, training).
Created in 1947, INS became in 1968 INRS, a non-profit making association (Act of 1901), founded under the aegis of the CNAMTS and subject to financial control of the State. Its activities are programmed in accordance with directives from CNAMTS and policies defined by the Ministry in charge of Labour.
INRS is governed by a joint board of directors (9 employer representatives, 9 trade union representatives). Its budget – approximately 80 million – mainly comes from the National Occupational Accident and Disease Prevention Fund provisioned by a portion of the occupational accident and disease contributions paid by companies. The Institute’s scientific, technical and medical competencies span over many fields dedicated to the management of occupational risks.
Studies and research are conducted in 20 laboratories organized in 6 divisions. They cover a wide variety of areas. These divisions develop a working mode with interdisciplinary projects allowing to link practical knowledge with end users.
- Pollutants metrology
- Process engineering
- Toxicology and biometrology
- Work equipment engineering
- Working life
- Occupational epidemiology
Paris Headquarters
Nancy center