Did you know that occupational diseases are responsible for an estimated 860,000 illnesses and 60,300 deaths each year? According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, these numbers are accurate. This issue is often overlooked, especially when it comes to filing for workers compensation because occupational disease MUST result from the nature of the employee’s condition rather than from a specific job. As a business owner, it is important to understand when occupational disease can be compensated.

According to WorkersCompensation.com, occupational disease is only compensable if:

1. “A condition peculiar to the occupation causes a disease;

2. The employee contracts a disease during the employment in the occupation;

3. The occupation presents a peculiar hazard of the disease; and

4. The incidence of ordinary diseases of life is substantially higher in the occupation than the public.”

As an employer, it is important to be familiar with these scenarios. This knowledge will come in handy if an employee goes to file for workers comp!

If you have any questions or concerns about occupational disease or workers comp in general, contact our agency. We would be happy to speak with you!