The primary mission of the Department of Occupational Health of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS) is to monitor health in relationship to occupational activities. Data produced in other fields can contribute to its mission in particular data from public health surveys carried out among the general population in France. A study on occupational and mental health using data from the 2002-2003 Insee Decennial Health Survey serves as an exemplary case to illustrate this process. The data analysis according to job type shows important differences and variations in the prevalence of depressive symptoms within social groups and sectors of professional activity. Despite some limitations, the use of major public health surveys provides interesting assets and benefits to complement surveillance tools for occupational risks.