Common Occupational Diseases (and How to Prevent Them)

There are various conditions in the workplace that can lead to diseases. Without proper attention, these risks can compromise both health and work performance. That’s why employers and employees must stay informed about occupational health and safety procedures to create a healthier, safer work environment.

What Are Occupational Diseases?
Occupational diseases refer to health conditions or disorders caused by work-related activities or environments. These illnesses can range from mild to life-threatening.

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS):

“An occupational disease is a health condition or disorder (e.g., cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, post-traumatic stress, etc.) that is caused by your work environment or activities related to your work. In general, health conditions or disorders that occur among a group of people with similar occupational exposures at a higher frequency than the rest of the population are considered to be occupational diseases.”

Multiple factors contribute to the development and progression of occupational diseases, including physical, chemical, biological, psychological, and ergonomic hazards.

Common Causes of Occupational Diseases
Every workplace should aim to provide a safe, comfortable environment tailored to the nature of the business. Here are the most common causes of occupational diseases:

Chemical agents: Toxic substances or materials in the air, surfaces, or equipment.

Biological agents: Exposure to bacteria, viruses, fungi, plants, or animals.

Physical factors: Excessive noise, radiation, extreme temperatures, and poor lighting.

Psychological hazards: Stress, harassment, bullying, lack of recognition, and violence.

Ergonomic risks: Poorly designed workstations, awkward postures, repetitive tasks, and insufficient lighting.

Other influencing factors include the level and duration of exposure, biological sensitivity, method of entry into the body, and how the substance is eliminated.

Every company should maintain a clear and comprehensive occupational health and safety manual to ensure all team members understand how to prevent or minimize risks.

6 Common Occupational Diseases and How to Prevent Them
1. Sprains, Strains, and Tears
Often caused by repetitive motion, poor posture, or excessive force, these injuries can limit mobility and affect job performance.

According to Healthline, sprains involve overstretched or torn ligaments (typically affecting joints like the ankle), while strains affect muscles or tendons (commonly the lower back and hamstrings).

Prevention Tip: Encourage proper lifting techniques, good posture, and use of ergonomic tools. Employers should implement administrative and engineering controls to reduce physical strain.

2. General Pain and Soreness
Sitting or standing for long periods, or performing repetitive tasks, can cause pain in the neck, back, shoulders, and limbs.

Prevention Tip: Incorporate proper ergonomics into the workspace. Regularly alternate positions, take breaks, and ensure workstations are set up to reduce strain.

3. Occupational Hearing Loss
Loud machinery, equipment, or even certain chemicals can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Prevention Tip: Control noise levels in the workplace and provide protective hearing equipment where needed.

4. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
MSDs impact nerves, tendons, muscles, joints, and spinal discs. Common examples include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendonitis, back injuries, and Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs).

Prevention Tip: Use ergonomically designed tools and accessories. Encourage regular movement and provide education on safe work practices.

5. Back Pain
Poor posture, improper lifting, and long hours of sitting or standing can lead to chronic back issues. Back pain remains one of the top reasons for absenteeism and reduced productivity.

Prevention Tip: Promote movement throughout the workday and provide equipment that supports proper posture. Alternating between sitting and standing using adjustable workstations can significantly reduce back pain.

6. Occupational Contact Dermatitis
This skin condition results from exposure to irritants or allergens in the workplace, such as chemicals or cleaning agents.

Prevention Tip: Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), educate workers on chemical hazards, and establish protocols to limit skin exposure.

Additional Tips to Prevent Occupational Health Issues
To reduce workplace health risks, employers should:

Conduct regular hazard assessments.

Provide equipment to avoid manual lifting of heavy loads.

Implement ongoing training programs for health and safety awareness.

Collaborate with ergonomic experts and occupational health professionals for guidance and evaluation.

Using a variety of evaluation methods can help determine the level of occupational health risks, from chemical contaminants to physical strain. What matters most is having a proactive system in place to ensure a safe, productive, and healthy work environment.