Work-Related Diseases
Physical Diseases:
- Musculoskeletal disorders: Repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, neck pain
- Respiratory diseases: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), silicosis
- Skin diseases: Dermatitis, psoriasis, skin cancer
- Hearing loss: Noise-induced hearing loss
- Vision problems: Computer vision syndrome, cataracts
- Cancer: Lung cancer (e.g., from exposure to asbestos), mesothelioma (from exposure to asbestos)
Psychological Diseases:
- Stress-related disorders: Anxiety, depression, burnout
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): May be caused by traumatic events experienced at work (e.g., workplace violence)
- Sleep disorders: Insomnia, hypersomnia
- Mood disorders: Bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder
Other Diseases:
- Infectious diseases: Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, HIV (in certain occupations)
- Chronic diseases: Heart disease, stroke, diabetes (if work-related risk factors are present)
Risk Factors:
- Exposure to hazardous substances: Chemicals, dust, fumes, noise, radiation
- Repetitive or awkward movements: Assembly line work, data entry
- Physical demands: Heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or sitting
- Stressful work environments: High workload, long hours, lack of control
- Lack of protective equipment or proper training: Can increase risk of accidents and exposure to hazards
Prevention and Management:
- Identify and control workplace hazards: Conduct risk assessments and implement preventive measures (e.g., ventilation, protective gear)
- Provide proper training and education: Employees should understand potential hazards and safe work practices
- Encourage healthy work habits: Promote breaks, exercise, and stress management techniques
- Monitor employee health: Regular medical checkups and screenings can detect early signs of work-related diseases
- Provide support and resources: Employees who develop a work-related disease should have access to treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation
- Enforce occupational health and safety regulations: Establish and enforce standards for workplace safety and employee protection