During the 2018/19 period, there were an estimated 1.4 million employees suffering from an occupational illness or ill-health developed through work practices or exposure in the UK. Across the spectrum of industries, 44% of cases were related to employee mental health, in the form of stress, anxiety and depression. 37% reported were musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the form of back pain or as damage to the arms. Other industrial diseases within that mark-up include occupational deafness, skin conditions and lung diseases. Lung complications cause around 12,000 fatalities a year from past workplace exposure.
Most of these instances of occupational illness are not life-threatening but can be quite detrimental to the quality of life a person suffering from them can expect; such as with hand arm vibration syndrome and occupational asthma. In the cases where lives were lost, most where attributed to asbestos exposure – causing asbestosis, mesothelioma and other occupational cancers. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which again is not always fatal, accounts for a significant portion of lung disease deaths.
Friends Legal views it as a professional obligation to reduce these numbers of occupational illness and death further. By using our talented solicitors, we hold businesses responsible for their employees’ well-being. Our panel of employer negligence lawyers help people claim compensation when they have developed an industrial disease, because of workplace exposure and practices.
If you or a loved one has developed an occupational illness because of work, speak to our team for a no-obligation, free claim assessment. We provide friendly and empathetic advice, and can work on a no win, no fee* basis for all claims. We have a 24/7 claim helpline you can reach on 08082391859^.
- Lung disease
- Diffuse Pleura Thickening
- Asbestos-related diseases
- Occupational cancers, such as stomach cancer
Accounting for all types of ongoing or new reports of work-related illness in the last 12 months for all of the the UK, public administration & defence, human health & social work, and education have significantly higher rates of ill-health compared to all industries and numbers employed. These sectors were especially plagued by stress, anxiety and depression, accounting for around 50% of all cases reported in each of the three. Musculoskeletal disorders were responsible for around a quarter to a third of all cases in these industry groups.
