What is occupational disease?

An occupational disease is any symptom or illness that evolves from an individual’s exposure to risk factors in the workplace. These illnesses can have numerous causes and symptoms, and can vary wildly in severity.

The earliest recognised occupational illness was squamous-cell carcinoma of the scrotum, which was identified in chimney sweep boys by Sir Percival Pott in 1775. Nowadays, occupational illness generally reflects the the broad diversity of the jobs available. Whilst it does relate to symptoms enhanced by work environment, occupational hazards that are traumatic in nature, such as roofers falling off a roof, are not considered occupational diseases.

Occupational illnesses are fairly common in the workplace, and cost Britain about 14 billion pounds every year. Over 1 million people each year claim to have suffered from illnesses related to stress, depression, anxiety or general conditions.

For people who do experience any of these illnesses there are many compensatory groups in the UK for people who suffer in the workplace, but what is considered an occupational illness and compensation for this varies from country to country.

Below are some of the more common occupational diseases in the UK:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Caused by compression of the median nerve and movement in the hand. In the workplace this is often caused by regular work with vibrating or percussive tools, such as drills, sanders or chainsaws.

Occupational dermatitis

Symptoms of this vary, but generally it involves irritation or damage caused by regular exposure to skin irritants. Symptoms can include inflamed skin, swelling or redness.

Occupational asthma

Asthma can cause difficulty breathing, wheezing and airway inflammation, and is caused by conditions in the workplace.

Tendonitis or tenosynovitis

When a person’s work is physically demanding and involves frequent repetitive movements then tendonitis or tenosynovitis can occur. Tendonitis means inflammation of a tendon, or injuries that accompany this. Tenosynovitis means chronic degeneration of a tendon but without the inflammation.

Cramp of the forearm or hand

Muscles seizing up in the forearm or hand can cause pain, numbness and weakness in the limb. In the workplace this is often caused in professions which require frequent hand, finger or arm movements.

Hand arm vibration syndrome

When vibrating or percussive instruments are commonly used in the workplace then hand arm vibration syndrome can occur. It causes nerve damage which can lead to weakness, muscle aches and pains and even white finger.

Occupational diseases are a serious concern in the workplace, especially in professions where repetitive movements are utilised on a day to day basis. A lot of the time, conditions that cause these illnesses can be avoided through prior planning and workplace consideration. It is something that both businesses and employees should be made aware of so that measures can be taken to avoid illness, and stop lasting damage taking place.

For more information take a look at our range of occupational health and safety and workplace safety courses, to learn more about preventative methods and treatments.