FINLAND: 304 cases of Covid-19 recognised as occupational diseases

At the end of March, out of 355 applications for recognition, the Accident Compensation Commission (TAKO) recognised 304 cases of occupational diseases. About 90% were diagnosed in health care workers, mostly nurses.

A disease caused by the coronavirus can be considered as an occupational disease, regardless of the occupation, if the following conditions are met:

• The diagnosis of Covid-19 is made.
• It is known that persons positive for the coronavirus at work (colleagues or clients) have been in close contact with the victims.
• The time between the symptoms associated with Covid-19 and the occupational exposure coincides with the known incubation time of the virus.
• No coronavirus infections were identified in the immediate vicinity of the infected worker and no other likely sources of infection were identified.

The Commission, within TVK, has a legal duty to promote uniformity in compensation practices for victims of occupational accidents and diseases. Within this framework, it issues general guidelines and opinions. Insurance companies are not obliged to follow its advice. But in practice, they do so almost without exception.

Source (in Finnish)