Different kinds of occupational diseases - By: alexjo

Different kinds of occupational diseases
Occupational diseases can be caused by "exertional factors" or "environmental factors" present in the workplace. Exertional factors refer to injuries that are caused by the amount of physical exertion needed to perform the job. These injuries include repetitive motion injuries, back and neck injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome, for example. Environmental factors refer to the presence of chemicals, dust, fumes, gases and other substances in the workplace that may lead to the development of certain diseases or illnesses. These may include respiratory illnesses and cancer.
Unlike other states, Wisconsin does not provide a statutory list of recognized occupational diseases that are eligible for compensation. Instead, the courts have determined which conditions qualify as a compensable occupational disease on a case-by-case basis
A variety of factors are responsible for the present under recognition of occupational illnesses. Some of these factors include the difficulties physicians can encounter in dealing with the Workers' Compensation system, the reluctance of patients to connect a health problem with their work (primarily because they fear they will lose their jobs) and the present managed care environment, which reduces the time available to take a complete occupational history disease on a case-by-case basis.
Some examples of illnesses and injuries that state courts have determined to qualify include:
1. Occupational dermatitis
2. Cardiovascular disabilities
3. Heart disease
4. Occupational lung diseases and respiratory diseases
5. Occupational cancer, including lung, liver, bladder, bone, kidney and others
6. Mesothelioma
7. Latex-related diseases
8. Back injuries and other orthopaedic conditions
9. Wrist and elbow tendonitis, arthritis
10. Carpal tunnel syndrome
11. Hearing loss and deafness
12. Proving Causation of the Occupational Disease
A worker is entitled to recover compensation for an occupational disease when the worker's job is:
The sole cause of the disease or injury
A substantial factor in aggravating, precipitating and accelerating beyond normal progression a pre-existing condition
A material contributory causative factor in the onset or progression of the condition
Proving causation in an occupational disease case can be very difficult. The employer and insurance carrier are likely to claim that outside factors caused the illness. The most common outside source is smoking. However, just because a worker smoked does not mean that the worker is precluded from receiving compensation for an occupational disease, even if the disease is linked to smoking. Establishing causation in occupational disease cases generally requires the use of expert witnesses, including medical experts.
One of the most important questions in any case for worker's compensation benefits is the date of injury. The date of injury determines which employer and insurance company are responsible for the temporary or permanent disability payments for the occupational disease. It also determines which compensation rates the worker is entitled to receive and how much compensation is owed to the worker.

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