Occupational Disease

What Does Occupational Disease Mean?

An occupational disease is an illness caused by the nature of a person’s job or workplace conditions, also referred to as a work-related disease. Such diseases are typically linked to exposure to biological, chemical, or physical agents in the work environment.

Insuranceopedia Explains Occupational Disease

Certain jobs expose workers to potential health risks. For example, miners and construction workers may develop silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling silica, a common mineral found on Earth. Workers operating diesel-fueled machines are at risk of inhaling diesel fumes that can harm the lungs, while welders may be exposed to toxic fumes emitted by metals. Government regulations strictly enforce safety measures at sites where such jobs are performed. Employers in these high-risk industries usually need more than just workers’ comp, and the various types of business insurance available cover different parts of their operation.

If an illness can be proven to be work-related, the affected individual can file a workers’ compensation claim with their employer. Additionally, they may sue a company if exposed to a hazardous substance in a product they use at work or if safety gear fails to protect them from contracting a disease. Lawsuits brought by workers or third parties over exposure to harmful substances are part of what general liability insurance is meant to handle for the business.