What Is Occupational Disease?

An occupational disease endorsement is given to those who have a disease of some type caused by exposure to some type of workplace health hazard. In the United States, state standards are in place to ensure that employees are able to work in conditions that are safe and healthy. When an employer violates standards or employees are otherwise put at risk, those employers may be held responsible for the effects of the illness or disease.

Causes of Occupational Disease

Workplace health hazards are numerous. These health hazards can sometimes lead to illness or disease in individuals. The following are examples of causes of occupational diseases.

Toxic substances or poisons in the workplace
Infectious germs or viruses
Dust particles, gases or fumes
Temperature variations to extremes, including extreme cold or extreme heat
Vibration at a damaging level
Radiation exposure
Noise at an excessive level or a constant level that is dangerous
Air pressure variations that are extreme including high air pressure and low air pressure

Any of these occupational conditions can lead to the development of diseases or illnesses in those exposed to the conditions long term or, in some cases, just one time. Each state has standards on how to monitor and maintain safe work conditions including these types of conditions that could be dangerous.

Types Of Illnesses and Disease

There are three ways that occupational hazardous conditions can affect an employee in the workplace. The individual may breath in or otherwise be injured and have an immediate or acute reaction to the condition. Gradual reactions are those that take time to develop, such as taking weeks, months or years to develop in the individual. In some cases, the condition will present as a delayed reaction. This classification signals that the individual has left the position but has developed a gradual reaction to a hazardous condition at the previous place of employment.

Hiring An Attorney

In situations where you believe that you may deserve occupational disease endorsement, which means that your condition is confirmed as being an occupational disease, work with an attorney. An attorney can help ensure that your case is heard in a court of law and that the responsible party is held responsible for the conditions you suffered from. In many instances, occupational diseases can be difficult to prove without the aid of an attorney who specializes in this particular type of injury claim.

Have a Work Injury Case?