Occupational illness refers to any chronic ailment resulting directly from an occupational hazard or condition of work. These diseases are not the occasional headache or cold, but serious diseases like lung cancer from asbestos exposure, hearing loss from loud machinery, or musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive tasks. In this blog, we will discuss what jobs are most vulnerable to occupational illnesses.
Hazardous Substances that Cause Occupational Illnesses
Occupational illnesses often lurk in the shadows, unnoticed until they make their presence known in the most devastating ways. One of the primary culprits behind these illnesses is exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos, dust, and other toxic substances.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, was once widely used in construction due to its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties. Yet, its fibers can break down into microscopic particles that when inhaled, can lead to serious health conditions like mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease.
Silica dust, another common workplace hazard, is a byproduct of work involving sand, rock, concrete, brick, and certain types of soil. Inhalation of this fine dust can lead to silicosis, a debilitating lung disease, and increase the risk of lung cancer.
Lead is often used in battery manufacturing, painting, and plumbing industries. Lead dust or fumes that are inhaled or ingested regularly can pose a serious health risk.
Benzene, which is used in rubber industry, oil refineries, chemical plants, shoe manufacturers, and gasoline-related industries, can cause serious health issues. Benzene exposure can also lead to death if a person is exposed to high levels.
Pesticides, which are used in the agriculture and pest control industries, can also lead to occupational illnesses. Exposure can occur when this substance is inhaled, comes into the contact with the skin, or ingested.
Exposure to these materials typically occurs in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, mining, manufacturing, and even hairdressing where workers often come into contact with harmful substances without adequate protective measures.
The risks associated with these hazards are exacerbated by factors such as the duration and frequency of exposure, the concentration of the hazardous material, and the lack of proper ventilation in workspaces. A construction worker drilling into concrete without a dust mask, for example, may be inhaling dangerous levels of silica dust.
Workplaces Where People Are Most at Risk for Occupational Diseases
Some professions pose a higher risk than others. Here are the top five professions with the most substantial risk of occupational illnesses:
- Agricultural workers. Agricultural workers are exposed to various hazards, including pesticides, sun exposure, and machinery accidents. Prolonged exposure to these factors can lead to skin cancer, respiratory illnesses, and hearing loss. Although safety training and PPE are recommended, agricultural workers often lack access to such resources, especially in developing countries.
- Construction workers. Construction is a high-risk industry due to the nature of the work involved. Workers often deal with heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and dangerous heights. The risk of accidents is high, and long-term exposure to dust and chemicals can lead to chronic respiratory conditions like silicosis and asbestosis. Despite various safety regulations in place, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the risk remains significant.
- Healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, face a myriad of health risks. They are exposed to infectious diseases, radiation, and a stressful work environment. Long working hours can also lead to burnout and mental health issues.
- Manufacturing workers. Manufacturing workers face health risks from exposure to harmful substances, repetitive motions, and machine-related accidents. Occupational illnesses common in this sector include respiratory diseases, hearing loss, and musculoskeletal disorders. Safety regulations mandate the use of PPE and regular inspections, but enforcement can vary significantly across regions and companies.
- Miners. Mining is considered one of the most hazardous industries. Miners are prone to lung diseases such as pneumoconiosis due to prolonged exposure to coal dust and other harmful substances. There is also the risk of physical injuries from accidents and long-term damage from vibrations and noise. Regulations require adequate ventilation, dust control, and the use of PPE, but these measures do not eliminate the risks entirely.
Consult with Our Attorneys
At Michael Doyle, Attorney at Law, our attorney has decades of legal experience and is known for providing our clients with aggressive, high-quality legal counsel. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an occupational illness, our firm can help you understand your legal rights and options, as you may have a workers’ compensation claim.
To schedule an initial consultation, call (505) 219-2176 or reach out to our firm online.