How to prepare for a DREETS visit: the points to check

A visit from the labour inspectorate (DREETS) is often dreaded, sometimes suffered... and yet, It can become an opportunity to structure its prevention and to show the commitment of its company. Still need to know What to expect, what is checked, and how to prepare calmly.

In this article, we take stock of:

• What is a DREETS visit
• What the inspector can control
• How to properly prepare
• What documents to have at hand
• And how can you turn this moment into a positive lever for your teams?

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What is DREETS exactly?

The DREETS (Regional Directorate for the Economy, Employment, Employment and Solidarity) is the State service responsible for enforcing labor law and the safety of employees.

His agents can come unannounced or planned, as a result:

• of a report,
• of an accident,
• or as part of a national campaign (e.g. safety on construction sites).

ℹ️ The role of the inspector is detailed here on Travail-Emploi.gouv.fr

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What does a labor inspector check?

He or she can examine all aspects related to safety, health, and working conditions.

Here are the most common points:

✅ Verification 🔍 What he looksUp-to-date ERPLatest update, risk assessment, associated action planSecurity recordPresence, traceability of periodic verificationsMandatory trainingSecurity training proofs, authorizations, certificates Mandatory postsMandatory postsSafety instructions, contact details of the occupational physician, emergency numbersConcrete working conditions Compliance with rules (PPE, traffic, handling, machines...) Equipment managementRegulatory checks (machines, fire extinguishers, electrical installations)

💡 An inspection may also concern temporary workers, subcontractors or young workers.

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Documents to prepare and keep available

So as not to be caught off guard, here is a Checklist of essentials :

• ✅ Up-to-date ERP
• ✅ Safety training register
• ✅ Job descriptions with risk analysis
• ✅ Prevention plan for outside businesses
• ✅ Register of periodic checks
• ✅ Training certificates (CACES, SST, certifications)
• ✅ Equipment status and maintenance schedule
• ✅ Access to internal procedures (instructions, loading protocol, etc.)

🎯 Good news: the platform Certalis centralizes all this automatically in a single space, with reminders and intelligent archiving.

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Tip: do a pre-audit before the visit

Before a DREETS visit, it is strongly recommended to:

• Do a field tour to check practices (wearing PPE, access, storage)
• Interviewing your employees : are they trained? Do they know the instructions?
• Review recent regulatory issues via sources like theINRS or your CARSAT

➡️ On Certalis, you can create a digital checklist to prepare for the visit with photos, signatures and assignment of shares if necessary:
👉 Create your safety checklist

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Turn the visit into an opportunity

A well-prepared check:

• Reassure your teams
• Strengthens your credibility with your management
• Show your seriousness about the administration

And above all, it is an opportunity to strengthening safety culture in the company.

👉 As a bonus, DREETS can sometimes refer you to financial aid to improve your practices (TMS diagnosis, secure purchases, training).

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Discover our all-in-one QHSE solution

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