Missouri law defines an occupational illness as a condition or illness caused by occupational exposure in the work environment. Unfortunately, occupational illnesses are more common than you’d think. According to the International Labor Organization, there are 160 million victims of occupational illnesses every year. The BLS found that in January of 2022 alone, nearly 3.6 million people were unable to work due to an occupational illness or injury.

Below are the most common illnesses and conditions contracted in the workplace, how to avoid them, and how to proveyour claim.

Skin Conditions

The majority of skin conditions contracted in the workplace are contact dermatitis. In fact, between 90% and 95% of all occupational skin conditions in the U.S fall under this category, 80% of which are caused by irritants.

Skin conditions are most often caused by coming into direct contact with harsh chemicals that can lead to an array of occupational skin conditions with long lasting effects. However, they can also be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, contaminated liquids, and allergens. Some of these conditions include as follows.

  • Skin cancer.
  • Contact, irritant, or allergic contact dermatitis.
  • Basal cell carcinomas.
  • Leukoderma.
  • Skin infections.

Respiratory Problems

Millions of employees are exposed to toxic substances that can lead to respiratory issues every day. Chemical fumes, bacteria, mold, pollution, and other common workplace substances are to blame for health problems affecting the lungs. Occupational respiratory problems can be life changing or even fatal, with at least 12,000 annual deaths linked to workplace exposures. A few of the most frequently reported respiratory problems are listed below.

  • Lung cancer.
  • Asthma.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
  • Pneumonia.
  • Respiratory Tuberculosis.

Employees can protect themselves from these life altering occupational illnesses by increasing the ventilation in the work area, and by wearing protective gear such as masks, respirators, and full body suits.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

According to the World Health Organization, about 1.7 billion people live with Musculoskeletal Disorders world wide – that’s almost a quarter of the human population. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) are conditions that affect the bones, muscles, and associated ligaments, nerves, and tissues. The affected areas are almost always the neck, back, and upper extremities. In the work environment, MSDs are caused by repetitive movements and overexertion. Some common examples of occupational MSDs include as follows.

  • Tendonitis.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Arthritis.
  • Epicondylitis.
  • Various back and neck conditions.

Since these injuries are caused by repeated stress to the impacted area, the best way to avoid them is to take frequent breaks, stretching, protective equipment, and by improving work techniques with the proper tools, posture, and processes.

How Can I Prove My Workers’ Comp Claim?

Proving that your illness or condition was occupational can be more difficult than providing evidence for a workplace injury. However, with a skilled workers’ compensation attorney in your corner, it can be done using elements such as the following.

  • Like other personal injuries, medical records can be obtained to prove the extent of your occupational illness. Make sure you seek treatment as soon as the condition or illness is discovered.
  • Expert testimony from doctors or other professionals with knowledge relevant to your case can be used to strengthen your claim.
  • The company’s history of employee accidents can strengthen your claim further if other employees have had experiences.

If you’ve suffered a workplace injury or occupational illness, contact us as soon as possible to schedule your no-cost initial consultation. At your consultation, you will receive free legal advice from a quality Columbia attorney near you. We’ll be with you every step of the way throughout the legal process until you get the compensation you deserve.