An occupational disease is any chronic ailment that occurs as a result of work or occupational activity, as a constant exposure to the work routine. “Work-related diseases” have multiple causes, where factors in the work environment may play a role, together with other risk factors, in the development of such diseases.
- Chemical poisoning: Chemical burns and poisoning occur when someone has been exposed to harmful chemical elements without proper protection. This often happens because a worker was not properly trained regarding how to handle these materials, or they were not provided with appropriate clothing or equipment with which to do their job.
- Mesothelioma: A type of cancer that affects the thin membrane lining the abdomen is called the peritoneal mesothelioma. Another type affects the chest area and is called pleural mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos is responsible for the majority of these cases. Common symptoms include fatigue; shortness of breath; lack of appetite; crackling in the lungs; clubbing of fingers and toes; and tightness and pain in the chest. People who work in plumbing, power stations and demolition are more likely to be susceptible to this illness.
- Industrial dermatitis: This is caused when an employee’s skin comes into direct contact with industrial irritants and can cause extreme cell damage. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to chronic dermatitis.
- Industrial asthma: Asthma can occur when workers are exposed to certain airborne toxins during the course of their workday. Oftentimes, workers who lay cement or frequent construction sites might be harmed by breathing Potassium Dichromate. This form of asthma can be extremely serious if the individual continues to breathe this harmful substance on a long-term basis.
- Neurological disorders: The nervous system is often a frequent target of toxins and can cause serious issues if one is exposed to harmful contaminants. Frequent headaches, fatigue and lightheadedness are common symptoms of nerve damage and can also illustrate themselves as numbness and loss of control in the limbs.
A work related injury is an injury or illness caused, contributed or significantly aggravated by events or exposures in the work environment. Work related injuries occur on the job and as a direct result of the tasks allotted to the specific job.
For workers' compensation purposes, the following situations are considered injuries:
- A specific incident at work causing an injury, i.e.: "Fall at work" is the most common.
- A series of repetitive actions resulting in a disability, i.e.: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- A pre-existing condition that has been aggravated by work. i.e.: Asthma.
- An earlier work related disability which recurs causing a later disability, i.e.: Back injury.
Source:
https://www.who.int/occupational_health/activities/occupational_work_diseases/en/
https://www.enjuris.com/workplace-injury/common-occupational-diseases.html
