When you get hurt on the job

Hand and forearm cramps, usually from repetitive movements like using a mouse, are among the most common workplace injuries. — TNS

Being paid for doing something you enjoy is one way to describe an ideal job.

But even the best workplace can have drawbacks, and even be harmful to your health – after all, you might get sick or hurt because of it.

An occupational illness or injury is a medical condition that’s either caused or significantly aggravated by exposures or stressors in the workplace, such as carrying heavy loads or exposure to dust, chemicals, noise, vibration, mechanical pressure or fumes.

In fact, Covid-19 is now recognised as an occupational illness for the health profession in Germany.

According to the United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive agency, the most common workplace illnesses include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (often from percussive or vibrating tools)
• Hand and forearm cramps (from repetitive movements)
• Occupational dermatitis (from exposure to irritants), and
• Occupational asthma (from exposure to respiratory sensitisers).

British politicians have also called for long Covid to be recognised as an occupational disease to allow for frontline healthcare workers suffering from long-term symptoms to receive state assistance.

”Among the most common occupational illnesses are skin disorders and noise-induced hearing impairment,” says Elke Biesel, spokesperson for the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance).

The DGUV is the umbrella association of workers’ compensation insurers for both the private industrial and public sectors in Germany.

These conditions can occur in a wide variety of occupations.

Cleaners, hairdressers and nurses are at heightened risk of contracting eczema.

Noise levels can be high in the metalworking industry and jobs involving pneumatic tools, for example.

If you suspect you have an occupational illness or injury, in many countries, you can file a workers’ compensation claim.

Laws on workers’ compensation vary by country.

Depending on the jurisdiction, employers may be required to have insurance to cover liability for employees’ illnesses or injuries, various private sector industry associations may carry such insurance alongside public-sector insurers, and/or state benefits may be available.

A suspected occupational illness or injury should be reported to the relevant workers’ compensation insurer.

“Doctors and employers are required by [German] law to do this,” Biesel says.

Claims should be filed as soon as possible in view of time limits, and claimants need be aware that confirmation of a medical condition as workplace-related can often take a long time – if it’s confirmed at all.

Once the condition has been reported, the workers’ compensation insurer investigates the claim by examining the person’s medical and work history, and perhaps also by inspecting the workplace and measuring the exposures or stressors in question.

If you suspect you have an occupational illness or injury, it’s a good idea to engage an attorney specialised in workers’ compensation claims who can help you present convincing evidence that your condition is workplace-related.

It’s also helpful to contact former colleagues who can attest that the workplace exposures or stressors in question were, or could have been, harmful to health.

When a claim has been accepted, it’s the responsibility of the workers’ compensation insurer to help the claimant and alleviate the condition with all appropriate means.

The insurance should cover necessary medical care and rehabilitation, as well as occupational rehabilitation measures.

Disability benefits may also apply, and this is the case in Germany if the claimant’s ability to work is permanently reduced by 20% or more.

The effect of an occupational illness or injury on the remainder of the person’s working life depends on the nature and severity of the condition.

Workers who suffer a noise-induced hearing impairment can often continue to work, for example.

They receive a hearing aid and are instructed on how to better protect themselves in the workplace.

If the impairment is so serious that they have to quit their occupation, the workers’ compensation insurer in some jurisdictions may cover the cost of retraining for another occupation. – By Sabine Meuter/dpa