Fact Sheet

Basis principle

Fedris, the Federal Agency for Occupational Risks, was created on 1 January 2017 by the Act of 25 December 2016 on various social provisions. It resulted from the merger of the Occupational Diseases Fund (FBZ/FMP, founded in 1963) and the Industrial Accidents Fund (FAO/FAT, created by Royal Decree No. 66 of 10 November 1967).

Today, occupational diseases are regulated by the coordinated laws of 3 June 1970, while work accidents in the private sector are governed by the Act of 10 April 1971 on occupational accidents. For the public sector, occupational accidents and occupational diseases are regulated by the Act of 3 July 1967. Fedris is a public social security institution responsible for implementing this legislation and supervising both system.

• In the private sector, work accidents are governed by the Act of 10 April 1971 on occupational accidents, while occupational diseases are regulated by the coordinated laws of 3 June 1970 (originating from the Act of 3 July 1967).
• In the public sector, both work accidents and occupational diseases are, in principle, governed by the Act of 3 July 1967. In practice, only certain categories of public employees (such as staff of provinces, municipalities and local administrations) fall under Fedris for occupational diseases. Other groups of public servants (federal civil servants, military, police, magistrates, etc.) are covered by separate statutory compensation schemes. For work accidents, most public authorities act as self-insurers under the 1967 Act, with Fedris exercising supervision and control.

Financial compensation

For occupational diseases, Fedris itself acts as the insurer and decision-making body in the private sector. In the public sector, the situation is different: provinces and local administrations are formally responsible for deciding on claims and granting compensation. In practice, they often rely on Fedris’ expertise and follow its advice. Other categories of public servants (federal civil service, police, military, etc.) fall under separate statutory schemes. For work accidents, compensation is paid by private insurance companies in the private sector or by public authorities acting as self-insurers in the public sector. In this field, Fedris mainly supervises insurers and self-insured employers and only intervenes directly in exceptional cases such as disputes or insolvency.

Medical treatment responsibilities

Fedris covers medical expenses for victims of recognised occupational diseases. For work accidents, medical treatment is paid by the insurer (private sector) or the public employer (public sector), under Fedris’ supervision.

Prevention responsibilities

Fedris develops prevention programmes and awareness campaigns mainly in the field of occupational diseases. For work accidents, its preventive role is limited to monitoring, statistics and policy advice; operational prevention is the responsibility of employers, insurers and occupational health services.

Research in OS&H issues responsibilities

Fedris conducts studies and research into occupational health risks and exposure to hazardous substances. For work accidents, its research focuses on the collection and analysis of accident statistics.

Rehabilitation of victims of occupational injuries responsibilities

Fedris does not operate rehabilitation centres itself but contributes to the reintegration of victims into the labour market and society through targeted schemes, pilot projects and cooperation with employers, insurers and employment services.

Specific insurance against accidents at work and occupational diseases

Yes, but organised differently.

• Occupational diseases: covered directly by Fedris and financed through social security contributions (no private insurers).
• Work accidents: covered by private insurers in the private sector and by self-insured public authorities for their statutory staff, with Fedris supervising both systems.

Is this insurance compulsory?

Yes, but with different mechanisms.

• Occupational diseases: coverage is automatic through Fedris for private sector employees and for staff of provinces and local administrations.
• Work accidents: all private employers must contract insurance; public authorities are usually self-insured by law.

Contributions

Fedris receives money from two other institutions within the Belgian social security system:

Occupational diseases: financed through social security contributions (employers, employees, the State).

Work accidents: mainly not financed by Fedris, but financed through insurance premiums paid by employers to private insurers, or directly by public authorities when self-insured. Fedris’ supervisory tasks are also financed through contributions from insurers.

People covered

Private sector employees: for both occupational diseases and work accidents.

Public sector employees:

• For occupational diseases: staff of provinces and local administrations fall under Fedris.
• For work accidents: all statutory staff are covered under the Act of 3 July 1967, usually through their employer as self-insurer; contractual staff may be insured via private insurers.

Self-employed workers are not covered by Fedris.

Is insurance different for accidents at work and for occupational diseases?

Yes. Occupational diseases are recognised and compensated directly by Fedris. Work accidents are covered by private insurers (private sector) or by self-insured public employers (public sector). Fedris can act as a supervisor and arbiter.

Risks covered

• Work accidents, including commuting accidents.
• Occupational diseases on the official list or recognised under the open system of the coordinated laws.

Web: www.fedris.be
Contact email: communication@fedris.be

Information provided by Fedris – August 2025