If a disease demonstrates frequency in a group of people of a particular
occupation more than the one that takes place in general public and has a demonstrable
record between a particular illness and specific work/work-related environment, it is
classified as an occupational disease. The development of a new class of occupational
disorders is by-product of the recent uncontrolled man-man, man-machine and managents’
interaction. A small percentage of workers amongst the total working
population of the world have access to occupational health related services, the access
gets diminished if the worker is a child labour from a developing country. Moreover,
the constant evolution of newer work areas and substances has led to continuous
revision of list of causative agents and occupational health hazards by various agencies.
“Diving medicine” is one such emerging branch of medicine dealing with specific
health aspects of deep sea divers. The study of cause-effect relationship of occupational
diseases will contribute towards reducing cases of work related disorders. Biological
agents become causative agents through generation of bio aerosols or as routine
infectious agents affecting biomedical scientists, laboratory technicians, medical and
paramedical staff. The duration of exposure and varying doses (low-high) of hazardous
chemical complexes are a source of a range of disorders from long term effects like
neuro- behavioural dysfunction to immediate effects like burns. Some substances
sensitise both airways and skin leading to respiratory and skin disorders. Similarly, the
intensity and duration of exposure to the physical agents lead to an array of disorders
ranging from white finger vibration, trench foot, barotrauma upto cancer. Besides
exposure to biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic disease causing agents a worker
is also prone to altered psychosocial agents at workplace. Violence and accidents occur
at workplace. Discrimination (gender/ethnic/ migrant status), disturbed circadian
rhythm, work pressure, lack of job satisfaction and social life leading to depression and
anxiety have become a new normal in working class.
Keywords: Bacteria, Bradford Hill’s Criteria, Compressed or decompressed air,
Universal diagnostic criteria, Ergonomic agent, Extremes of temperature, Fungi,
International Labour Organization, Needle-stick injury, Noise, Occupational
diseases, Organic Dust, Parasites, Protein, Psychosocial agent, Radiation,
Respiratory disorders, Skin disorders, Sa substances (Substances causing, airway sensitisation), Vibration, Viruses, WHO, work-related Musculoskeletal
Disorders (WRMSDs).
