Occupational illness statistics are changing all the time with the latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive suggesting a drop in the number of injuries occurring in the UK.

Despite the drop, there are certain kinds of occupational illnesses which are recurring and they remain top of the agenda for the public health and safety body. The main causes of work-related illnesses are skin disease, hearing loss, vibration-related illnesses and respiratory conditions.

Types Of Occupational Illness

The Labour Force Survey by the HSE points out the following statistics:

• • The number of stress-related illness cases in the workplace has remained level over the last 10 years. Over a three-year average, some of the most prevalent industries reporting stress-related conditions are social work, education and public administration. In the year 2011/12, there were 428,000 reported cases of stress at work illnesses. Some of the reasons cited were down to pressure, bullying, lack of management support and violence at work.
  • Musculoskeletal disorders are problems associated with muscles and joints within the body and the condition usually progresses over a sustained period of time. Over the last decade, the industries with the highest rates of MSDs was courier organisations, construction and agriculture and the most prominent reasons were down to tiring positions and excessive keyboard activities. In 2011/12 there were 439,000 reported cases
  • Research into the numbers of workplace cancer illnesses revealed an estimated 8000 fatal cancer cases could be down to work. Cancer-causing agents like asbestos, silica and solar radiation were the main perpetrators. Construction is the main industry where there are cancer-related illnesses accounting for an estimated 35,000 deaths per year
  • Asbestos-related diseases acquired from the workplace are another prominent occupational illness. The main diseases associated with asbestos exposure are mesothelioma which accounts for 2291 deaths; asbestosis accounts for 429 and there are an approximate 2000 related to asbestos-related lung cancer (all these figures are from 2011). In addition, 686 is the total number of non-malignant pleural disease cases reported
  • There are around 35,000 new work-related skin disease cases per year according to GP reports. Contact dermatitis is one of the most common kinds caused by exposure to irritants and allergens. Those most at risk according to figures are hairdressers, cooks, health care workers, florists and beauticians
  • Vibration-related disease or Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is made up of two conditions, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Vibration White Finger, both can be caused by repetitive activities undertaken in the workplace. The HSE says claims for HAVs in the UK were 8,990 in the last decade with the vast majority of claimants being male
  • Respiratory diseases like farmers lung, allergic rhinitis and byssinosis make up the category of ‘other respiratory diseases’
  • Noise-induced hearing loss records show that most of the people who suffer are males from the construction, manufacturing and energy and water supply sectors

Occupational Illness And Industrial Diseases Compensation Claims Types

Here at First Personal Injury, we deal with a wide range of claims types which have come about as a result of occupational illnesses. Here are just some of them:

Claiming Compensation For An Occupational Illness

You may be entitled to compensation for a range of compensation claims under accident claims. Our experts will help assess your potential claim going forwards and provide you with proficient advice.

Contact First Personal Injury to discuss your potential compensation claim today by ringing 0333 358 2345 or by filling out the online claims form.