Increasing occupational diseases

• April 20, 2024

Figures from the International Labor Organization (ILO) indicate that every day around 6,300 people die worldwide as a result of injuries or illnesses related to the workplace (more than 2.3 million deaths per year).

The most important cases of occupational pathology correspond to disorders of bones and muscles, respiratory diseases, dermatitis Y hearing loss .

However, despite the number of occupational risks and diseases associated with these, the diseases in this area have increased. It is estimated that 60% of occupational diseases are not declared.

Why keep silent?

Dermal alterations , musculoskeletal disorders or occupational asthma they are a direct consequence of the work environment and if they are not treated, they can cause dangerous side effects both for those who suffer them and for the health system of each country.

One of the reasons for not declaring many of these ailments has its origin in that, often, they develop after years, when the workers are retired or have changed jobs.

This is the case with some types of cancer with very high latency periods, a circumstance that also makes it difficult to establish a cause-effect relationship.

Another reason lies in the obstacles to determine certain diagnoses, since the lists of occupational diseases are not updated in line with changes in the working environment and the use of new technologies.

Psychosocial disorders

One of the elements that most worries health professionals is the increase of psychosocial disorders linked to new situations of stress Y labor pressure to meet the demands of modern life.

In a recent statement of the ILO, it could be read that "the economic crisis has disastrous effects for many workers". In the same way, this organization added that the opportunity should be seized to generate a new approach based on safety and health, which guarantees "decent work".

The latest list of occupational diseases developed by the same organization includes, for the first time, mental and behavioral disorders, as well as psychological disorders.