Workers who are exposed to dust, fibers, chemicals, or fumes are at greater risk. While occupational asthma is the most frequent respiratory disease, not all workers are at the same risk level for this diagnosis. Two of the most common lung diseases include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Causes of occupational lung disease include the inhalation of irritants, toxins, bacteria, noxious fumes, fungal infections, hard metal dust, silica dust, asbestos fibers, ammonia, or other chemicals especially over long periods. Common occupational lung diseases include inflammation, serious long-term damage, and cancer. The most serious chest and lung injuries often begin with fractured ribs that can result from a workplace fall or auto accident.Īn occupational disease is a condition stemming from harmful workplace exposure. Occupational lung injuries vary in severity from strains in the soft tissue to a collapsed or punctured lung. Workplace-related lung trauma can fall under either occupational injury or disease depending on the situation.Īn occupational injury is when a specific injury or event takes place that causes the worker harm and impedes their ability to perform their daily work activity. When a workers’ injury continues to develop over time from a specific exposure or activity, it is classified as an occupational disease. An occupational injury occurs from an uncommon, solitary event not expected to happen as part of the workers’ daily routine. When discussing lung complications, it is important to discern differences between occupational injury and occupational disease. Damage to the respiratory system can severely limit one’s ability to perform routine job functions or restrict any capacity for work at all, leaving the affected worker unable to maintain necessary productivity and wages. Lungs are vital organs to the continuation of human life. Whether respiratory problems are caused by environmental exposures or physical impediments, if the workplace is determined to be the origin of such factors the injured worker is entitled to workers’ compensation. Lung trauma ranges from respiratory illness to organ injury and damage. As we have learned from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, lung health is critically important and any complications to the respiratory system can majorly affect entire lifestyles.
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