The new list includes a range of internationally recognized occupational diseases, from illnesses caused by chemical, physical and biological agents to respiratory and skin diseases, musculoskeletal disorders and occupational cancer. Mental and behavioural disorders have for the first time been specifically included in the ILO list. This list also has open items in all the sections dealing with the afore-mentioned diseases. The open items allow the recognition of the occupational origin of diseases not specified in the list if a link is established between exposure to risk factors arising from work activities and the disorders contracted by the worker.
The diagnostic and exposure criteria publication is the result of the work of more than 40 internationally recognized experts throughout a timespan of ten years. Most of the experts contributed their expertise and knowledge on a voluntary basis. The guidance notes in this publication provide information and criteria to be considered in the diagnosis and prevention of the diseases specified in the ILO List of Occupational Diseases (revised 2010) and are intended for the use of competent authorities, social security institutions, workers’ compensation funds, occupational safety and health professionals, physicians, employers and workers, and persons in charge of recording, notification, prevention, and compensation programmes for occupational diseases.