The Impact of the new Occupational Health Regulation in Tunisia

Abstract In 1995, the Tunisian government realized a total reform of the occupational insurance system. Since that date, more generous compensation in case of accidents or injuries was introduced and brands of new safety standards (inspection, prevention programs and infraction, etc.) were adopted. In addition, an experience rating system (“Bonus-malus”) was introduced. This paper examines the effectiveness of the new workers' compensation system in improving the health and safety of workers, as well as the effect of new preventive and regulatory measures on occupational risk in Tunisia. The results suggest that the generosity of the new worker’s compensation system is reflected both in the increased of the frequency and the severity of accidents in Tunisia. Regarding the preventive policies adopted in Tunisia, they have, at best, resulted in a minor decrease in the frequency of accidents without having a significant effect on the severity of accidents. Classification JEL: I13, I18, J28