Under federal law, employees have a right to a safe work environment. This means that employers have a responsibility to protect their workers from potential diseases caused by job-related activities and atmosphere. The World Health Organization defines occupational disease as, An “occupational disease” is any disease contracted primarily as a result of an exposure to risk factors arising from work activity. “Work-related diseases” have multiple causes, where factors in the work environment may play a role, together with other risk factors, in the development of such diseases. Common reasons an employee may develop an occupational disease includes:
- Hazardous materials – When an employee works with hazardous materials, such as chemicals, they expose their health to potential diseases. It is important these individuals have the appropriate training and equipment when dealing with such materials.
- Noisy environments – People such as construction workers and engineers often work on sites that have a lot of noise. Drills, heavy machinery, and hammering can all take a toll on a person. The constant stress on the eardrums can cause irreversible hearing loss.
- Ill-ventilated workspaces – Employees have a right to work in well-ventilated areas. If they work underground or in confined spaces, dust and fumes can damage one’s health. This can take a physical toll and cause health problems.