On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Marina Carrère d'Encausse will host a new episode of the show Enquête de santé, which will be broadcast on France 5. This particular episode focuses on occupational diseases and follows the personal journeys of several individuals affected by such conditions.
In France, approximately 50,000 diseases are recognized as having an occupational origin each year, highlighting the serious and often overlooked impact of workplace health issues. The documentary, produced by Céline Martel, will dive deep into the lives of these individuals, each distinguishable by their own struggles and resilience.
Among them is Marie-Claude Weyandt, a 69-year-old former caregiver from Forbach. After dedicating over 30 years to her work, she is now fighting to have her breast cancer acknowledged as a disease caused by her occupation. In her battle, she is receiving support from François Dosso, a veteran trade unionist who has successfully advocated for workers’ rights and recognition of workplace-related health concerns.
Then, there’s 39-year-old Damien Métayer, an oyster farmer on the Île d’Oléron. He has been struggling with severe back issues, which required surgery for a herniated disc. Recently returning to work, he now seeks assistance to invest in an exoskeleton, a tool designed to support his physical limitations, but he faces challenges in obtaining funding for this crucial equipment.
On the other hand, Christine, a 56-year-old insurance company employee, has been dealing with the aftermath of a burnout caused by three years of harassment by her manager. Since enduring this experience, she battles severe memory loss, concentration issues, and panic attacks. As part of her recovery journey, she's chosen to share her experience with students studying work psychology, using her pain to help others learn.
Lastly, the documentary features Paul Reyl, a 28-year-old fishing bait manufacturer who suffered a horrific accident last year resulting in the loss of several fingers. After an eight-month hiatus from work, he is now preparing to resume his career with his wife’s help, as they rally together to secure support and adjust their workspace to accommodate his new reality.
This documentary will not merely focus on individual hardships but aims to foster a collective reflection on the often-taboo subject of workplace health conditions in France. The intent is to advocate for better management of occupational risks and enhanced protection for workers.
As Carrère d'Encausse leads this important discussion, viewers will be encouraged to engage in a broader dialogue surrounding health hazards that employees face daily. With a dedicated career spanning over two decades, she has built her reputation on providing insight into health issues, making her a fitting host for such a poignant episode.
Carrère d'Encausse is well-known for her long-standing association with health broadcasting, having co-hosted Le Magazine de la santé, along with various other health-focused programs. Her expertise and empathy shine through as she navigates these sensitive topics.
The show’s airing is timely, as France grapples with the implications of workplace health regulations and workers’ rights are increasingly being scrutinized. The need for awareness and better protections becomes ever more pressing, especially as the number of recognized occupational diseases continues to rise.
In a society where work-life balance is being re-evaluated, this episode of Enquête de santé taps into the urgent need to re-address the working conditions of many individuals, highlighting not just personal stories but a collective call to action for improved health standards.
As the documentary is set to air, many hope it will not only bring attention to these pressing issues but also inspire change that advocates for the health and safety of all workers.
