← FFCheckWho do I contact?FR
Work · France
Updated September 2026

🩹 I had an accident at work — who do I report it to, and what am I owed?

Direct answer

Report it to the employer the same day, in writing, and see a doctor stating it was a work accident — that label opens the accident-insurance route, which pays treatment, wages and, for lasting injury, a pension, without proving anyone's fault. CPAM — accident du travail (3646) is the accident insurer or fund for France; the employer must notify them, and you can too. Inspection du travail (DREETS) (travail-emploi.gouv.fr) investigates serious accidents and unsafe conditions; Syndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…) (service-public.fr) makes sure the claim is filed right and represents you if the employer disputes it.

Call firstCPAM — accident du travail
Report toInspection du travail (DREETS)
If that failsSyndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…)

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] at [time] I had an accident at [place] while [task]: [what happened, injuries]. Witnesses: [names]. I ask you to record it as a work accident and notify the accident insurer today, and to send me a copy of the report."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Doctor, same daySay it happened at work. The medical record with that sentence is the basis of everything.
  2. Report to the employer in writingEven for "small" injuries — the ones that get worse are the ones nobody reported.
  3. Check the notification: CPAM — accident du travailThe employer must notify within days; if they do not, notify the insurer yourself with the medical report.
  4. Witnesses and photosThe scene, the equipment, the missing guard. Before it is "fixed".
  5. Serious or unsafe: Inspection du travail (DREETS)The inspectorate investigates serious accidents and can order changes; your report protects colleagues.

📇 All contacts

CPAM — accident du travailDeclaration, cover, benefitsWithin 24 h to the employer, 2 years to CPAM📞 3646🔗 www.ameli.fr
Inspection du travail (DREETS)Inspection, formal notice to the employerAs soon as the wages are late🔗 travail-emploi.gouv.fr/inspection-du-travail
Syndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…)Advice, support at the labour tribunalFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2436
CAF / CPAM / France Travail — recours amiableBenefits, overpayments, amicable appeal boardWithin 2 months of the decision📞 3230🔗 www.caf.fr

❓ Frequently asked

The employer says not to report it

That is illegal and it costs you cover. Report it yourself to CPAM — accident du travail; the employer's refusal is itself reportable to Inspection du travail (DREETS).

What if it was my own mistake?

Accident insurance is no-fault: you are covered regardless. Only deliberate self-harm or gross drunkenness is excluded.

Accident on the way to work?

Commuting accidents are covered in most EU countries on the direct route. Report it the same way.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “accident at work report France”
  • “work accident insurance claim”
  • “employer refuses to report accident”
  • “injured at work what am i owed”
  • “commuting accident covered”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🤒Sick and pressured→📄No contract→💼Unpaid wages→⚖️Unfair dismissal→

Your tools for France

Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Energy · FranceElectricity & gasThe rules that protect you as an electricity and gas customer in France, and who to contact. Every fact is checked on an official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.