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How does workers’ compensation relate to occupational disease?

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Asbestosis — occupational disease The lung disease asbestosis is caused primarily by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers. It occurs mainly among workers whose occupations involve exposure to asbestos and people who live near mines, factories, and construction sites.

Workers’ compensation is a social welfare program designed to help employees manage the costs associated with work-related injuries and occupational diseases. Under this system, employers typically bear the financial responsibility for these conditions, providing an economic incentive for them to maintain safe working environments and implement preventive measures.12

In many jurisdictions, these programs operate under a doctrine of strict liability, meaning an employee generally only needs to prove that their illness or condition arose out of and in the course of their employment to be eligible for benefits. Because occupational diseases are often preventable and stem from faulty working conditions, the moral and economic benefits of eliminating these hazards—such as improved worker health and reduced insurance premiums—are significant.132

However, attributing a specific disease to a workplace hazard can be complex, as many occupational illnesses mimic non-work-related conditions or develop over long periods of exposure. Consequently, medical professionals often play a critical role in assessing disability and determining the link between a patient's health and their occupation for legal purposes.42