The 8 Most Common Occupational Diseases

Whether you’re a miner who ventures deep into the caves of quarry lands, a police officer who swears to protect the public, a doctor who heals the sick and injured, or an executive assistant who oversees a CEO’s day-to-day activities, practically all jobs carry some element of risk.

In the United States, in 2020, 2.7 out of 100 workers suffered a non-fatal injury or sickness. Even if you take all essential safeguards at work, dangers will arise due to your surroundings, working circumstances, and repetitive tasks.

Furthermore, you might be entitled to a worker’s compensation if you suffered from an illness because of your job. If you want to know more, you can search for law firms online that handle these kinds of claims, such as terrykatzandassociates.com.

Occupational diseases are categorized into three; here are the most common occupational diseases one may suffer from:

Occupational Dermatitis

Although dermatitis is not contagious, it can be uncomfortable and look unappealing, making one feel self-conscious. It is a common skin condition that makes the skin feel itchy, and when not treated, the skin may blister, ooze, or flake off. The disease may stem from having contacted chemical products while working. 

Although the illness may not look as severe as others, it can have a long-term effect on a worker. There are some instances when dermatitis hinders a worker’s ability to continue working.

In an occupational setting, there are two kinds of contact dermatitis, irritant and allergic.

1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

This happens when a chemical product damages your skin’s outer protective layer. It can be corrosive that strips away the skin’s outer layer with continued use, such as harsh detergents and soaps. 

2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis 

People do not become allergic to a product after their first interaction. Often, people acquire hypersensitivity to specific products over time. Additionally, sensitization might take days, months, or even years to occur.

All employers must take a proactive approach to ensure their employees’ safety in this area. They must ensure that all workers are knowledgeable of this through appropriate training. They should also have an updated risk assessment and conduct health surveillance consistently. 

Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders

Mechanical stress, strain, sprain vibration, inflammation, and irritation can cause acute, cumulative, and chronic injuries to the soft tissues. It may manifest in various ways; here are the most common ones:

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the tingling and numbing pain resulting from repetitive hand motions. The pain may travel up to the shoulder and, if not treated, may cause hand weakness that will cause one to drop objects they’re holding unknowingly. 

2. Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the inflammation of the thick fibrous cords that attach the muscle to the bone. If the pain is not attended to or ignored, it may lead to the rupture of the tendon, which would require surgery and a more extended recovery period. 

3. Tension Neck Syndrome 

The pain is in the trapezius muscle, a big muscle in the upper back that covers the shoulder and neck. This syndrome affects men and women of all ages who work with their hands and sit in front of a computer for lengthy periods of time.

Many companies who value the health of their employees have implemented the use of ergonomic tools to ensure that musculoskeletal disorders will not hamper their employees’ work. 

Occupational Lung Diseases

Exposure to irritants breathed into the lungs may have debilitating effects on workers. Even after one cease to be exposed to an irritant, the absorbed toxins may have penetrated the lungs profoundly, and the effects may appear and ultimately worsen a worker’s condition as the year progresses. Here are the most common occupational lung diseases:

1. Asbestosis 

A condition that scars the lung and stiffens the lung tissue because of inhaling microscopic asbestos fibers. Workers assigned to insulation, roofing, and flooring jobs are most likely exposed to asbestos fibers. This hazardous substance has been completely banned in the United Kingdom since 1999, but it continues to kill numerous employees in the United States.

2. Black Lung Disease 

Also called Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis is a disease that inflames and scars the lung that may lead to permanent lung damage due to the inhalation of coal dust. The symptoms of the disease may take years to develop, and often, a worker realizes its severity when it has already progressed severely. 

3. Work-Related Asthma 

An allergic or immunological response is triggered by inhaling chemical fumes, gases, or dust. It can cause chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. 

Conclusion

You must monitor a team member’s health frequently if they are to be productive and have a long tenure with the organization. While it is true that all jobs entail some risk, this does not mean that you as an employer must hope for the best. As an employer, you owe a duty to your employees, who are your company’s stakeholders and failing to do so could result in costly lawsuits.

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