[The most common occupational pathologies in Poland and methods of their prevention]

Abstract

The article discusses the most common occupational disease groups observed in our country over the years, as well as their nature and prevention. The analysis of the literature on unfavorable working conditions and improper work practices indicates that a number of factors are responsible for the type and frequency of occupational diseases. Those most frequently mentioned are as follows: the type and concentration of harmful substances, degree of workload, number of people exposed to the agent, conditions and work organization, development of safety and hygiene, psychosocial burden, and quality of medical care. Not without significance are the legal regulations concerning occupational diseases and the system of their certification for granting pensions. According to the data of the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Łódź in the years 1971-2009, the most common health disorders certified as occupational disease in Poland were: hearing loss (24.1%), infectious and parasitic diseases (15.5%), chronic voice disorders (15.2%), pneumoconiosis (12.3%), skin diseases (8.9%), acute and chronic intoxications (7.1%) and vibration syndrome (6%).