Legal Definitions - industrial disease

An industrial disease, also known as an occupational disease, is a type of illness or condition that is caused by exposure to harmful substances or conditions in the workplace. Workers who develop industrial diseases are eligible for workers' compensation.

Examples of industrial diseases include:

• Asbestosis: a lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers
• Black lung: a lung disease caused by inhaling coal dust
• Hearing loss: caused by exposure to loud noises in the workplace
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: a condition caused by repetitive motions, such as typing or assembly line work

These examples illustrate how exposure to certain substances or conditions in the workplace can lead to long-term health problems. Workers who develop these conditions may not realize the harm they are being exposed to until it is too late. That is why it is important for employers to provide a safe working environment and for workers to take precautions to protect themselves.