Legal Definitions - Occupational disease

An occupational disease is a medical condition or illness that an employee develops directly because of their work environment, specific substances they are exposed to on the job, or the inherent requirements of their employment.

Unlike an injury that happens suddenly, an occupational disease typically develops over time due to prolonged exposure or repeated stressors. Employees who contract such diseases may be eligible for compensation through workers' compensation systems, which are designed to provide benefits for work-related illnesses and injuries.

Here are some examples illustrating what constitutes an occupational disease:

• Example 1: A long-term employee at a chemical manufacturing plant develops a rare form of liver disease. Investigations reveal that the disease is directly linked to chronic, low-level exposure to a specific solvent used in the plant's production process, even though the employee followed safety protocols.

  Explanation: This illustrates an occupational disease because the liver condition is a direct result of prolonged exposure to a particular substance (the solvent) encountered in the employee's specific work environment and duties.

• Example 2: A dental hygienist, after many years in practice, is diagnosed with a specific type of chronic hand dermatitis (skin inflammation). Medical experts determine that the condition was caused by repeated allergic reactions to latex gloves and various dental chemicals used daily in their profession.

  Explanation: This is an occupational disease because the skin condition developed due to continuous exposure to specific substances (latex, dental chemicals) that are integral to the requirements and environment of their job.

• Example 3: An airline pilot, after decades of flying, is diagnosed with a specific type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that medical studies link to long-term exposure to cabin air contaminants and cosmic radiation at high altitudes.

  Explanation: This demonstrates an occupational disease as the respiratory condition is attributed to prolonged exposure to particular working conditions (cabin air quality, radiation) that are inherent to the pilot's employment.