Back and work Updated on September 29, 2026 By Axel Paupier Methodology

Must the works council be consulted before introducing exoskeletons in a company?

Q: Must the works council be consulted before introducing exoskeletons in a company?

In principle yes. Under the French Labour Code, the social and economic committee (CSE) is informed and consulted on the introduction of new technologies and on any major change affecting health, safety or working conditions. Deploying exoskeletons can fall within this: confirm it with your legal department or the labour inspectorate.

The answer in detail

When a company wants to equip employees with exoskeletons, the question of social dialogue arises quickly. The French Labour Code provides that the social and economic committee, the CSE, is informed and consulted on the introduction of new technologies and on major changes that affect health, safety or working conditions.

An exoskeleton changes the wearer's movement and posture: it therefore falls under this subject. The exact rule depends on the company's size, the scale of the deployment and the presence of a CSE. A one-off trial does not have the same consequences as equipment rolled out across several workstations. When in doubt, it is better to inform too early than too late: a clear presentation of the project, the equipment and the follow-up measures avoids most tensions.

What the sources say

Labour Code: the CSE is informed and consulted on the introduction of new technologies and major changes affecting health, safety or working conditions.
INRS: its frequently asked questions recommend a prevention approach with staff representatives and follow-up of users.
Integration: workstation analysis, trial and training are to be carried out with the people concerned.

For the general framework, read our article on exoskeleton regulation at work.

Step-by-step instructions

Analyze the workstation and the risks of musculoskeletal disorders with the prevention service.
Inform the CSE at the project stage, before purchase, presenting the objective and timeline.
Gather its opinion when consultation is required, and record it in writing.
Organize a trial with volunteers, with the occupational physician's agreement.
Train users, plan a review after a few weeks and report it to the CSE.

Common mistakes

Blockages almost always come from a project presented too late.

Buying the equipment before informing staff representatives.
Treating the exoskeleton as a simple tool, without analyzing the workstation.
Ignoring the occupational physician, whose opinion also counts for financial aid.
Not keeping a written record of the information and consultation, which can matter in a later disagreement.
Presenting the project as settled, when consultation means gathering an opinion before the decision.

Key takeaways

The Labour Code provides for informing and consulting the CSE on the introduction of new technologies and on major changes affecting health, safety or working conditions: an exoskeleton deployment may fall under it. Inform the CSE early, involve the occupational physician and keep written records. This is not legal advice: check your situation with a lawyer. For funding, read our question on financial aid.