Understanding Common Types of Occupational Illnesses and Diseases

You might picture broken bones or sprains from accidents when you think of workplace injuries. Maybe you think of back injuries or equipment-related injuries like being hit by a forklift or cut by machinery.

Unfortunately, these are common occurrences and can be spotted pretty easily. However, not all workplace illnesses come with obvious warning signs. Many workers face exposure to conditions that develop slowly, quietly, and dangerously.

These are occupational illnesses and diseases caused by prolonged exposure to harmful substances or work environments. Knowing what to watch for and how to protect yourself is the key to staying healthy and ensuring your rights are protected.

Not sure what industrial illnesses or diseases are or what the full range of possibilities might be? This guide will explore what you need to know.

What is an occupational illness?

An occupational illness is any disease or condition directly caused by your work environment. Unlike sudden injuries, these illnesses often develop over months or even years. They result from exposure to chemicals, repetitive motions, or harmful environments that are part of your job.

Workers’ compensation laws in Delaware cover these illnesses, but proving the connection between your job and your condition can be more than a little challenging. That’s why understanding the most common types of occupational diseases and their causes is so important.

Examples of occupational diseases

Certain jobs carry higher risks of specific diseases. This occupational disease list includes some of the most common examples of occupational health challenges:

Respiratory diseases

Respiratory diseases occur in workers within industries as wide-ranging as mining and residential construction. Workers exposed to dust, fumes, airborne particulate matter, or chemicals often develop respiratory problems, including:

• Asbestosis: Caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, standard in construction and shipbuilding.
• Silicosis: A lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, often affecting miners and stonecutters.
• Occupational asthma: Triggered by allergens or irritants like cleaning chemicals, fine particulate matter like brake dust, or industrial fumes.

Skin conditions

Skin conditions are perhaps the most widespread occupational illness, at least in terms of the number of industries affected. Everyone, from hospitality workers to auto mechanics, can suffer from work-related skin conditions. Repeated exposure to irritants or allergens can lead to occupational skin diseases like:

• Contact dermatitis: A painful rash caused by irritants or allergens in the workplace.
• Skin cancer: Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays, which is ordinary in outdoor jobs like farming or construction.

Musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders are also surprisingly widespread, from office workers to HVAC technicians. Jobs that require repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or maintaining awkward postures can lead to conditions like:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Common among office workers and factory employees.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation caused by repetitive motion or strain.

Hearing loss

Do you work in a loud environment? Chances are good that you’ve noticed changes in how well you can hear, especially if you don’t wear protection. Doing so can lead to occupational hearing loss, a common problem in the manufacturing, construction, and aviation industries.

Toxic exposure illnesses

Workers in many industries are exposed to chemicals and other substances daily. Sometimes, those substances aren’t safe. Exposure to hazardous substances can result in severe long-term health issues, such as:

• Lead poisoning: Often found in manufacturing, painting, or construction jobs.
• Cancer: Linked to exposure to carcinogens like benzene or certain pesticides.

Now that we have a better idea of what occupational illnesses and diseases look like, it’s time to discuss how they begin.

How occupational illnesses develop

Many occupational illnesses develop because workers are exposed to harmful substances or repetitive tasks over long periods. Factors like poor ventilation, lack of protective equipment, or inadequate safety training can increase the risk.

For instance, let’s say you work in an automotive repair shop. You regularly use an air-driven impact wrench to remove wheel lug nuts and tighten nuts on an exhaust manifold. Over time, the weight of the wrench combined with heavy vibrations can injure your hand and arm, leading to carpal tunnel.

In some cases, workers may not realize they’re being exposed to dangerous conditions until symptoms appear, often when the disease has already progressed. For instance, if you work in an office and use an employer-provided chair and desk, you may not realize the damage due to the lack of ergonomic design until you have chronic pain in your neck and back.

So, what can you do to protect your health while ensuring you can do your job?

Protecting your health on the job

While employers are legally required to provide a safe workplace, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself:

• Use protective gear: Always wear masks, gloves, and other equipment your employer provides.
• Follow safety protocols: Pay attention to workplace guidelines and report unsafe conditions.
• Get regular health screenings: Early detection can make a big difference, especially for conditions like cancer or respiratory diseases.

What to do if you’re diagnosed with an occupational illness

If you believe your illness is work-related, it’s crucial to act quickly. In Delaware, workers’ compensation covers medical treatment, lost wages, and other costs related to occupational diseases. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek medical attention: Get a proper diagnosis and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
2. Notify your employer: Report your condition as soon as possible, even if the symptoms appeared gradually.
3. Document everything: Keep records of your diagnosis, treatment, and workplace conditions that may have caused your illness.
4. Contact an attorney: Proving an occupational illness can be complicated. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help you get the benefits you deserve.

Helping you navigate occupational illness claims

Dealing with an occupational illness can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Silverman, McDonald, & Friedman, we’re here to guide you through the workers’ compensation process and can work to protect your rights.

If you’re struggling with a workplace disease or illness, contact us today for a free consultation.