Abroad|30/01/15

GERMANY: Four new diseases recognized as work-related

Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe > GERMANY: Four new diseases recognized as work-related

On 1 January a new official order came into force by virtue of which four diseases are recognized as work-related. The diseases are:

  • certain forms of “white skin cancer” (epidermoid carcinoma) or precancerous lesions of this cancer (multiple actinic keratoses) caused by years of exposure to the sun’s rays;
  • carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of a nerve at the point where it passes in an osteofibrous tunnel of the forearm) caused by certain manual activities;
  • hypothenar hammer syndrome and thenar hammer syndrome (lesion of the vessels of the hand occurring due to a force caused by a shock);
  • laryngeal cancer caused by sulphuric acid vapours.

This official order was adopted in early November 2014 further to the recommendation of the “Occupational Diseases” medical committee of the federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The persons concerned can claim rights to medical care from the injury insurance organization. In the event of a work disability or a permanent reduction in earning capacity, they are also entitled to cash benefits.

Download the text of the official order (in German)

Discover other news

Abroad

29/09/23

SWEDEN: Serious accidents and long-term sick leave in the food industry

Workers in the food industry run a higher risk of serious accidents at work than other occupational groups. The average risk over the period 2017-2021 was 9.7 serious accidents at work per 1,000 employees. It was 15.5 for butchers and 8.9 for machine operators, who suffered the most serious accidents at work. Bakers and confectioners, although less affected, were still affected, with a rate of 5.3.

Community news

29/09/23

Working at home and OHS with a new OiRA tool

Teleworking has developed strongly since the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming the way companies operate and employees work. However, the issue of occupational health and safety (OHS) remains fundamental. A new interactive online risk assessment tool (OiRA) offers a practical solution for employers and teleworkers, helping them to create safer and healthier home workspaces.

Abroad

22/09/23

BELGIUM: what to expect from occupational illnesses in 2022

In 2022, around 38,500 people received compensation for permanent disability due to an occupational disease. And nearly 13,000 workers (private sector and provincial or local administrations, APL) filed a claim for compensation; 211 deaths were recognised, 73% of which were due to asbestos, 17% to silicosis and 10% to other diseases. These are the findings of the Fedris “Statistical Report on Occupational Diseases” 2022.