2001: The DUERP formalizes the risk assessment
The decree of November 5, 2001 created the single document. The employer must include therein the results of its assessment of the risks to the health and safety of workers, identifying the risks identified in each work unit.
From its inception, the DUERP must be updated at least once a year, but also when there is a major change in the organization or when new information regarding a risk is brought to the employer’s attention. A circular published in 2002 specifies, among other things, the evaluation process and the concept of a work unit.
2014: the document is enriched
Starting in 2014, the DUERP receives additional information on the exposure of employees to certain occupational risk factors. An annex must include, among other things, collective data useful for evaluating these exposures and the proportion of employees concerned beyond the prescribed thresholds.
2021-2022: the DUERP becomes the starting point for prevention actions
The law of August 2, 2021, to strengthen occupational health prevention, marks a major milestone. The law specifies that the DUERP must identify the risks to which workers are exposed and keep track, over the years, of exposures related to work situations. This collective memory facilitates the monitoring of risks and prevention actions.
It also strengthens the link between evaluation and the measures to be implemented:
- In companies with at least 50 employees, the results of the assessment lead to an annual program for the prevention of occupational risks and the improvement of working conditions (PAPRIPACT). This program details the measures, their timeline, the resources that can be mobilized, the performance indicators, and their estimated cost.
- In companies with fewer than 50 employees, the employer defines prevention and protection measures, which are recorded in the DUERP and its updates.
Since 2022, successive versions of the document must be kept for 40 years. Workers and former workers can access the versions corresponding to their period of employment. With each update, the employer transmits the DUERP to the occupational health and safety service to which they belong.
DUERP update: what rules do we have today?
The annual update remains mandatory in companies with at least 11 employees. For companies with fewer than 11 employees, it may be less frequent, provided that the level of protection of the health and safety of workers is maintained.
In all companies, an update remains necessary when a major change alters working conditions, health and safety, or when new information relevant to the assessment of a risk is brought to the employer’s attention.
The 2021 law also provided for the submission of successive versions of the DUERP on a national digital portal. Pending the entry into force of this obligation, the employer retains the versions of the document in the company, on paper or in a digital format.
2026: a new administrative sanction
Since June 27, 2026, the absence of DUERP can lead, in the absence of criminal prosecution, to a warning or an administrative fine of up to €4,000 per affected worker. The maximum amount can be doubled in the event of recidivism within two years.
In 25 years, from mandatory documentation to the prevention approach
In 2001, the DUERP made the formalization of risk assessment mandatory. In 2026, it forms part of a broader approach: preserving the memory of exposures, clarifying prevention priorities and organizing the follow-up of actions over time.
To mark its 25th anniversary, the DUERP recalls an essential idea: its value lies not only in its existence, but in its ability to reflect real work and to advance prevention within the company.
FAQ about the DUERP
Since when is the DUERP mandatory?
The DUERP was created by Decree No. 2001-1016 of November 5, 2001. The employer must establish this document upon hiring the first employee.
How long should the versions of DUERP be kept?
Successive versions must be kept for 40 years from their creation.
Should the DUERP be updated every year?
Yes, in companies with at least 11 employees. In companies with fewer than 11 employees, the annual update may be less frequent if the level of protection of workers remains ensured. An update remains necessary in case of significant changes or new information about a risk.
What does the 2021 reform plan?
It strengthens the link between risk assessment and prevention measures, provides for the preservation of the versions for 40 years and organizes access to the document corresponding to the worker’s period of activity by workers and former workers.
Contents
DUERP: 25 years of evolution, from inventory to action
2001: The DUERP formalizes the risk assessment
2014: the document is enriched
2021-2022: the DUERP becomes the starting point for prevention actions
DUERP update: what rules do we have today?
2026: a new administrative sanction
In 25 years, from mandatory documentation to the prevention approach