An occupational disease is a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure to hazardous working conditions. Unlike a work accident that occurs in an instant, an occupational disease develops over years and may only manifest years after exposure began. National insurance recognises a specific list of occupational diseases as qualifying for compensation, but proving the causal link between the disease and work requires professional medical expertise.
Common Occupational Diseases
Respiratory Diseases
Asbestosis (from asbestos exposure), silicosis (from silica dust exposure), and chronic lung diseases from exposure to smoke, chemicals, and dust. Construction, mining, and textile workers are particularly at risk. See: Exposure to Hazardous Substances.
Hearing Injuries
Gradual hearing loss from prolonged exposure to industrial noise is recognised as an occupational disease. Factory workers, construction workers, and musicians are susceptible to professionally recognised hearing loss.
Orthopaedic Conditions
Shoulder diseases, back problems, and tendon injuries caused by physically demanding repetitive work. See: Microtrauma – Repetitive Injury.
How to Prove an Occupational Disease
Causal Link to Work
The central evidence is a medical opinion establishing a link between the disease and the specific working conditions. The opinion must cover: diagnosis of the disease, type of exposure at the workplace, duration of exposure, and evidence of causal connection. Employment documents and detailed job descriptions are also relevant.
Limitation Period
A claim for occupational disease is generally time-barred two years after the disease is diagnosed, not after exposure ceased. Therefore, a worker who retired ten years ago and has now been diagnosed with signs of asbestos exposure can still claim.
- Document your working conditions: chemicals, noise, repetitive activities
- Retain employment records and salary slips from the workplace
- Consult an occupational physician for examination and expert opinion
- Submit a claim to national insurance within 12 months of diagnosis
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Frequently Asked Questions
I worked at multiple locations. Who is responsible for my occupational disease?
National insurance covers regardless of which specific employer caused the exposure. In a civil lawsuit, all employers who contributed to the exposure can be sued. A medical expert opinion will explain the apportionment of liability. See: Work Accidents – Main Page.
My disease is not on the official list. Can I still claim?
Yes. National insurance also recognises diseases not on the official list if a direct link to work can be proven. Strong medical expert opinion is the key to success. See: Medical Committee – Work Accident.
