Occupational illness tracking and reporting

Our Health, Safety and Environment network has tracked occupational illnesses since 2003. Covering all our subsidiaries worldwide, the survey aims to:

• identify trends in occupational illnesses;
• understand the most widespread illnesses Group-wide;
• improve techniques for preventing occupational health risks and develop related action plans.

The 2008 survey helps pinpoint the causes of the illnesses Total employees are exposed to. It confirmed the growing incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, along with the main risks and illnesses identified, namely past asbestos exposure and hearing problems. Its findings are analyzed to continuously improve the prevention techniques and action plans addressing these problems.

Evaluation of workplace risks

The Group has developed Occupational Health and Hygiene Guidelines to prevent workplace risks. Designed to align with the HSE management systems in place at Total, these guidelines set out the basic principles of occupational health and provide an active, iterative approach for identifying and managing risk.

At end-2008, 66% of our 375 major sites were compliant with the Occupational Health and Hygiene Guidelines.

In 2008, 90 line managers, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) managers, human resource managers and occupational physicians participated in the Occupational Health and Hygiene training program. The OHH training course meets growing demand for health protection and prevention-related initiatives.

Health care

Health care resources

Virtually all our large subsidiaries have their own health care organizations. In countries where our workforces are smaller, employee health care needs are met by outside providers selected by the Group to oversee employee health. 98% of our units provide regular preventive care for their employees, and in certain cases they offer a comprehensive check-up.

Physicians from the International Medical Department regularly audit local medical organizations in host countries to ensure that employees have access to the best medical care.

Stress Observatory

In agreement with labor partners, headquarters senior management and the Occupational Health Department have since January 2008 been offering employees an opportunity to take part in the Medical Stress Observatory project, which gauges the impact of stress factors. On a voluntary basis and as part of their regular medical checkups, employees fill in a questionnaire, which is then validated. The findings are strictly confidential. The statistics are analyzed by an independent organization and may result in the introduction of collective actions.