Document Unique TPE Template for France

The Document Unique TPE (Document Unique d'Évaluation des Risques Professionnels) is a mandatory legal document that you must establish as an employer in France to assess and document workplace risks. This comprehensive risk assessment serves as the foundation of your occupational health and safety management system, ensuring compliance with French labour law while protecting your employees from workplace hazards.

When do you need this document?

You are legally required to create a Document Unique TPE as soon as you employ at least one worker, regardless of your company size. This obligation applies to all French employers, from sole proprietorships to large corporations. The document must be established before commencing any work activities and updated annually or whenever significant changes occur to your workplace, equipment, or processes. Following workplace accidents, near-misses, or the introduction of new technologies also triggers mandatory updates. Additionally, you must present this document during labour inspections and make it accessible to employee representatives and occupational health services.

Key legal considerations

Your Document Unique TPE must contain specific mandatory sections to ensure legal compliance. The company identification section requires your business details, SIRET number, main activity, and workforce numbers. You must document your risk assessment methodology, clearly explaining how you identify and evaluate workplace hazards. Each work unit within your organisation requires detailed description and risk inventory, covering physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial risks. The risk evaluation section must include risk scoring based on probability and severity, along with existing and planned prevention measures. Crucially, you must maintain traceability of all updates and ensure digital storage since July 2024. Failure to establish or properly maintain this document exposes you to criminal penalties under Article R4741-1 of the Code du travail, including fines up to €1,500 for individuals and €7,500 for legal entities.

Legal requirements in France

Under French law, specifically Articles L4121-1 and R4121-1 of the Code du travail, your Document Unique TPE must meet strict regulatory standards. The document requires annual updates as a minimum, with additional updates triggered by workplace modifications, accident analysis, or regulatory changes. You must consult employee representative bodies during the assessment process and involve your occupational health service where applicable. The labour inspector has the right to access and review your document during inspections, making accuracy and completeness essential. Since the 2021 health and safety law, digital conservation is mandatory, requiring secure electronic storage with appropriate backup systems. The document must remain available for consultation by employees, their representatives, and competent authorities throughout its validity period and for specified retention periods following updates.