Definition - What does Occupational Illness mean?

An occupational illness is any medical disorder that is brought about by exposure to chemical, physical, or biological factors in the workplace environment. It is a condition that effects a person's health or physiological responses and may also be caused by ergonomic risks in the workplace. An occupational illness can be caused by poor air quality, unhygienic conditions, or exposure to hazardous materials.

SureHire explains Occupational Illness

There are various types of occupational illness. These include skin conditions such as eczema, respiratory disorders such as asthma and asbestosis, poisoning which can be from various sources including lead and formaldehyde, loss of hearing from exposure to high noise levels, and various other illnesses (including mental disorders) that can be attributed directly to working conditions.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulates employers in terms of their compliance with standards designed to prevent the occurrence of occupational illness. If an employee contracts an occupational illness they may be entitled to receive benefits in accordance with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act of 1997. An injury incurred at work is not deemed to be an occupational illness.

Related Terms

• Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC)
• On-Site Testing
• Adaptive Behavior
• American National Standards Institute
• Lower Limit of Normal
• SureHire Exclusive Testing Facility (ETF)
• Contaminant
• Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation
• Service Agent
• Occupational Injury
• Workplace Incident
• Lighting