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.
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.
