Occupational disease (Berufskrankheit)
Also: Berufskrankheit, BK, industrial disease
Definition
An occupational disease is an illness caused by work that is included in the list of occupational diseases – such as noise-induced hearing loss, skin diseases, asbestosis or certain back conditions. Like an occupational accident, it is compensated by statutory accident insurance.
The list in the annex to the German Occupational Diseases Ordinance comprises more than 80 diseases. Doctors and employers must report a justified suspicion of an occupational disease to the accident insurance institution (Section 202 SGB VII), which then checks whether the conditions are met. Diseases not on the list can also be recognised if new scientific findings are available.
Prevention is the best protection: risk assessment, protective measures and occupational health checks aim precisely at preventing occupational diseases or detecting them early.
Legal basis
- Section 9 SGB VII
- Occupational Diseases Ordinance (BKV) with Annex 1
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Related terms
This glossary entry gives a general overview of German occupational safety law and does not replace legal advice. The regulations in force and the rules of the statutory accident insurance institutions are authoritative.
