When discussing work, we often focus on benefits such as income, stability, and career development. However, we also need to recognize that work is not always free from risks. Many types of work can have negative effects on health, both physically and mentally. These impacts can lead to health disorders known as occupational diseases.

Occupational diseases are illnesses caused by work and/or the work environment. Occupational diseases are diagnosed and established through seven diagnostic steps, including determining the clinical diagnosis, identifying the exposures experienced by the worker at the workplace, determining the relationship between the exposure and the clinical diagnosis, the extent of the exposure, any individual factors involved, ensuring there are no other influencing factors beyond the primary work, and finally, establishing the occupational diagnosis. Here are some common examples of occupational diseases:

Respiratory Diseases: Workers exposed to hazardous chemicals such as fumes, dust, or toxic gases may experience respiratory issues such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumoconiosis (lung disease caused by silica dust exposure), and asbestosis (lung disease caused by asbestos dust exposure).

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Workers engaged in heavy physical labor or exposed to non-ergonomic work positions may experience musculoskeletal disorders, such as lower back pain (LBP), herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Work-Related Stress: High pressure, excessive workload, or interpersonal conflicts at work can lead to work-related stress. If not properly managed, chronic stress can contribute to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders.

Preventing and managing occupational diseases is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of workers. Here are some steps that can be taken:

Safety Training: Workers should receive training on workplace safety measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work procedures.

Ergonomics: Companies should provide an ergonomic work environment, where work positions and equipment are designed to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Health Monitoring: Workers need to undergo regular health check-ups to detect occupational diseases early. Early detection of health issues suspected to be work-related should be addressed or followed up promptly. Health monitoring also helps identify individual risks that might not have been previously detected.

With appropriate preventive measures and awareness of the risks associated with work, occupational diseases can be significantly reduced. Workplace safety and health are the rights of every worker, and it is essential for all of us to work together to create a safe and healthy work environment.

Author: Dr. Trisna Purirani (Medical Service Doctor at Pramita Cik Ditiro Medical Laboratory, Yogyakarta)