What are industrial diseases and illnesses?

Industrial diseases are illnesses caused by things at work. They can also be made worse by things at work.

This often happens in factories and other industrial places. It can happen when people breathe in dust, fumes, or chemicals. It can also happen from loud noise, heavy work, or doing the same job again and again.

If you think work is making you ill, tell a doctor. It can help to keep notes about your symptoms and when they happen. A family member, friend, or support worker can help you write this down.

They are usually caused by being around harmful things again and again for a long time.

This can include dust, chemicals, loud noise, vibration, bad work set-ups, and unsafe work places.

They are closely linked.

Industrial diseases are illnesses you can get because of work.

They often happen when a person is exposed to things at work that can make them ill.

Some helpful tools are:

- plain language signs
- written notes with short sentences
- pictures or symbols
- support from a trusted person

Some common examples are asbestosis, asthma caused by work, hearing loss from noise, dermatitis, repeated strain injuries, and problems caused by vibration.

Yes. Some work illnesses start slowly. They can happen after many months or years of being around harmful things at work.

Symptoms can be different for each condition.

They may include:

- coughing
- trouble breathing
- sore or itchy skin
- hearing loss
- numbness
- pain
- feeling very tired
- moving less easily

If reading is hard, try using short breaks, a ruler or finger to follow the line, and ask someone to read it with you.

Doctors find this out by checking several things.

They ask about past contact with the cause of the illness. They also ask about your job and your workplace.

They may do a physical check-up and some tests.

Sometimes, a specialist doctor also needs to help.

It can help to bring notes, ask a trusted person to go with you, and write down questions before the appointment.

Many problems can be stopped before they happen.

To help keep people safe at work:

- Spot dangers early.
- Use protective equipment.
- Make the air flow better.
- Spend less time near the hazard.
- Follow safety rules carefully.

Simple tools can help too. Clear signs, checklists, and short instructions can make it easier to stay safe.

Some jobs are more dangerous than others.

These jobs can include:

manufacturing

construction

mining

farming

textile work

chemical processing

metalworking

Simple tools can help people understand this better. For example, use pictures, short lists, and clear labels.

Occupational asthma is a lung problem.

It can be caused or made worse by things at work.

These things can include dust, fumes, chemicals, or vapour.

If you think work is affecting your breathing, tell a doctor.

It can help to write down your symptoms and when they happen.

You can also ask for a simple list of your work tasks and any triggers.

Asbestosis is a long-term lung illness.

It happens when a person breathes in tiny asbestos fibres.

These fibres can hurt the lungs and leave scars.

This can make it hard to breathe.

If reading is difficult, it may help to use short breaks, read one sentence at a time, or ask someone to read it with you.

Yes.

Long-time exposure to loud noise can hurt your hearing. This damage can last forever.

It can also cause ringing in the ears, called tinnitus. It may cause other hearing problems too.

To help protect your ears, you can:

- wear ear defenders or ear plugs
- move away from loud sounds when you can
- keep music or TV at a lower volume

Repetitive strain injury means pain or damage from doing the same movements again and again.

It can also happen if you sit or stand in a bad position for too long. It can hurt your muscles, tendons, or nerves.

Try to rest often, change your position, and use gentle stretches. Helpful tools like a chair with good support, a wrist rest, or a reminder to take breaks can also help.

Occupational dermatitis is a skin problem. It can be caused or made worse by things at work. These can include chemicals, cleaning products, oils, or things that cause allergies.

Coverage depends on the laws where you live. It also depends on proof that the illness was caused by work. The illness must also meet the rules for compensation or reporting.

They should ask a doctor for advice.

They should tell their employer about the problem.

They should write down any contact with the substance and any symptoms they have.

They should follow the rules for reporting problems at work.

It may help to use a notebook, phone notes, or a trusted person to help keep track of everything.

Yes. Some chemicals can cause serious harm.

They may lead to lasting disability, long-term illness, cancer, organ damage, or death.

The risk is higher if a person is exposed for a long time or to a large amount.

If you need help reading or understanding this, try reading it slowly, using a ruler or finger to follow the words, and asking someone you trust to explain it.

No. These problems can affect workers in many jobs.

This includes healthcare, construction, farming, logistics, and office work.

If there are dangers at work, people can be affected.

Employers can help keep people safe at work by doing these things:

They look for dangers.

They try to stop or reduce harm.

They train workers so they know what to do.

They check and fix equipment often.

They watch workers’ health.

They make sure safety rules are followed.

Helpful tools can include clear signs, simple checklists, pictures, short training, and regular safety reminders.

Finding the problem early can stop symptoms from getting worse. It can also help lower long-term damage. Treatment may work better too. It can also help stop more exposure at work.