Mental illnesses are by far the most frequently reported occupational illnesses

The most commonly reported occupational diseases in 2019, just like in 2018, are mental disorders, such as burnout, overwork, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is an estimated 78 new cases per 100 thousand employees. Many people are struggling with mental illness, especially in education. This is reported by Amsterdam UMC.

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This is evident from ‘Occupational Diseases in Figures 2020’ from the Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases (NCvB), Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, which was published today.

In 2019, more than 12 percent of teaching staff reported a mental illness as an occupational disease. However, this number has been declining again since 2017. For education it is concluded that “that in work where interaction between people is an essential part, this interaction is a risk factor. Although personal interaction is very stimulating for many workers, a downside can be that interaction actually means intensifying work. Redundant meetings hinder the progress of activities and therefore increase the workload. The teacher has to deal with increasingly complex students and demanding parents. And that in a sector where a lot of time has to be spent on implementing new teaching methods. ”

In addition to psychological disorders, postural and musculoskeletal disorders, especially shoulder and elbow disorders, are frequently reported. In this category, 31 new cases per 100 thousand employees were reported. The figures are highest in construction, industry, energy, financial services and health and social services.

Since it has been possible to register covid -19 as an occupational disease since March 2020, the reports have been added to this report due to the exceptional situation surrounding this outbreak. Until August 1, 2020, 732 reports of covid -19 as an occupational disease were made by 118 occupational physicians. In that period that is about 30 percent of the total number of reports of occupational diseases.

The report Occupational diseases in Figures 2020 provides an overview of the number and nature of registered occupational diseases and the distribution within sectors and occupations in the Netherlands in the past year. In addition, it describes scientific and social developments with regard to occupational diseases.

By: National Education Guide

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