Diseases from the Perspective of Occupational Medicine

Sometimes people, out of necessity, in the struggle to live under harsh and grueling conditions, take up work and activity and grapple with the difficulties of industry and trade, and at times the conditions of the work environment become so harsh and dire that, if human knowledge does not help and smooth out the problems, not only work and activity but even life itself becomes impossible under those conditions. From the perspective of occupational medicine, diseases are divided into three categories: 1- Occupational diseases (Work induced) 2- Work-related diseases (Work related) 3- General diseases (General diseases) 1- Occupational diseases (Work induced) These are diseases that arise due to exposure to the harmful factors of the work environment. These factors are essential for causing the disease, and the specific etiological (causal) relationship of the work environment with the disease is completely clear. Exposure to them in the work environment is unavoidable but is traceable and compensable. These etiological factors are identifiable, measurable, and controllable. Also, the cause of work-induced diseases is specific; for example, asbestos causes asbestosis. According to Article 7 of the Social Security Law, a work-related disease is an abnormal physical or mental condition that necessitates the provision of medical services, or causes temporary inability to engage in work, or causes both simultaneously. Therefore, a work-related disease is a condition that develops in a person over time under the influence of the pollutants of the work environment, and the authority responsible for adjudicating it is the medical commissions or the medical council. Occupational diseases are among the category of diseases that are mostly incurable but preventable and controllable. Two main factors make the prevention of work-related diseases easier: - Identifying, controlling, and measuring the factor that causes these kinds of diseases. - Identifying the individuals at risk. 2- Work-related diseases (Work related) These are diseases whose origin is multifactorial and which may arise to a relative extent under the influence of the harmful conditions of the work environment. Work-related diseases are seen not only in workers but also in the general public, and individual characteristics and environmental, cultural, and social factors play a role as risk factors in these diseases. Diseases such as high blood pressure, coronary artery diseases, psychosomatic diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and chronic nonspecific respiratory diseases such as bronchitis are among the work-related diseases. 3- General diseases (General diseases) This category of diseases includes diseases common in society that individuals can also develop without exposure to the harmful factors of the work environment. The common cold, diabetes, and appendicitis are examples of these diseases. The important point is that if these diseases are detected in the examinations of workers, the occupational medicine physician must take steps to treat them or refer the patient to the relevant specialist. In conclusion, from the perspective of occupational medicine, occupational diseases are among the most common problems in carrying out many activities. These diseases have various types and degrees that, if not attended to, create serious problems for a person's health. By carrying out periodic examinations and occupational medicine tests, the occurrence of various occupational diseases can be prevented.