Did you know that the workplace can have a huge impact on your health? Pneumoconiosis, hearing problems and even chronic back pain are just some of the occupational diseases that affect workers in various industries every day. How do you recognize them and effectively prevent them? Find out what your rights are and how to take care of your health at work - because prevention is better than cure!
What is an occupational disease?
Have you ever wondered what exactly an occupational disease is? It's a medical condition that is a direct result of the work you do or the conditions of the work environment. In other words, it's the result of daily contact with harmful factors that may be present in workplaces.
In Poland, occupational diseases are included in an official list, which allows them to be clearly identified. This allows employees to claim their rights if their health has been damaged by their job duties.
The most common occupational diseases
Some illnesses occur in specific industries, but many affect workers in a variety of environments. Occupational diseases in food service, heavy industry or education have different causes, but they have one thing in common - their connection to work. Below are examples of diseases to watch out for.
Infectious or parasitic diseases
People who come into contact with sick people or contaminated environments are particularly vulnerable to diseases such as tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis or rabies. Working in hospitals or laboratories involves risks that require strict adherence to hygiene rules.
Even minor lapses in procedures can lead to serious health consequences - both for the employee and those around him. That's why regular health and safety training and appropriate protective equipment are an absolute must in these occupations.
Lung pneumoconiosis
Working in mines, cement plants or on construction sites involves exposure to dusts that can permanently damage the lungs. Lung pneumoconiosis is one of the most common conditions in these industries.
Inhalation of fine particles (coal dust, silica) leads to irreversible changes in lung tissue, making breathing difficult and reducing quality of life. Effective personal protective equipment, such as dust masks, and regular preventive examinations can significantly reduce the risk of this serious condition.
Chronic voice disorders
Teachers, lecturers or call center workers often suffer from chronic voice diseases. Overloading the vocal cords can lead to permanent changes requiring treatment and adequate rest.
Constantly speaking for hours without proper breathing technique and lack of recovery breaks increase the risk of voice problems. In such cases, regular consultations with a speech therapist or phoniatrist and learning proper voice emission are helpful and can significantly improve comfort.
Chronic diseases of the peripheral nervous system
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition familiar to many office workers as well as machine operators. Prolonged performance of the same movements negatively affects the nervous system, limiting the dexterity of the hand.
Symptoms, such as numbness, tingling or weakened grip, can make it much more difficult to perform daily professional and personal duties. To prevent this, it is important to have ergonomic workstations, take regular stretching breaks and perform exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons of the hand.
Chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system
People who work physically often struggle with back pain, joint inflammation or degenerative changes. These conditions can lead to long-term disability, which requires appropriate preventive measures.
Excessive strain on the spine and working for hours in the wrong position promote the development of health problems. The use of safe weightlifting techniques, proper workplace equipment and regular physical activity to strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility are key.
Hearing loss
Constant exposure to noise, characteristic of factories, airports or industrial plants, leads to gradual deterioration of hearing. Hearing loss develops slowly, often without obvious symptoms at first, causing many people to underestimate the problem. To prevent this, it is essential to use hearing protectors, such as earplugs or earmuffs, which significantly reduce the level of noise reaching the ears. Regular audiological examinations make it possible to detect changes early and take appropriate preventive measures.
Malignant tumors
Some cancers, such as lung and skin cancer, are directly related to exposure to carcinogens in the workplace. Workers in the chemical, welding or textile industries are particularly exposed to toxic chemicals or radiation.
Prolonged exposure to such agents significantly increases the risk of cancer. Proper ventilation, use of protective equipment and regular preventive examinations are key to minimizing risks and ensuring safe working conditions.
Other occupational diseases
Skin diseases such as allergies and chronic chemical poisoning are other problems that workers may face. Regular dermatological and pulmonological examinations can help diagnose these conditions quickly.
Establishing an occupational disease - how to recognize it?
If you notice work-related symptoms in yourself, do not delay - see a specialist. Diagnosis of an occupational disease requires notification to the relevant institutions and testing. This is a key step to take care of your health and exercise your rights.
What rights do employees have in the case of occupational diseases?
If an occupational disease is confirmed, you are entitled to rehabilitation benefits, compensation and a change in working conditions. The employer is obliged to provide a safe work environment, as well as take measures to reduce the risk of such illnesses.
Remember - your health is the most important thing. Take care of it by exercising your rights and reporting any worrisome symptoms. Informed health care is the first step to a safer and healthier future at work!
