Key figures for occupational diseases 2017
In 2016, the Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases (NCvB) received and recorded 6,270 reports of occupational diseases out of a total of 863 occupational physicians. The occurrence of occupational diseases is reflected in the incidence per year, i.e., the number of new cases of occupational diseases reported in a particular year. Occupational physicians from the Intensive Notification Surveillance Project (PIM) reported 161 new cases of occupational diseases per 100,000 employees in 2016.
The proportion of working individuals with a newly reported occupational disease in the total Dutch workforce in 2016 was 0.2%. The highest incidences were reported for mental and musculoskeletal disorders. Mental occupational disorders increased to 42% of all reports. As in previous years, the vast majority of reports (74%) concerned diagnosed nervous exhaustion and burnout. Reports of occupational diseases relating to the musculoskeletal system decreased with 18% to 1.791 in the last five years.
Contact dermatitis, particularly irritant contact dermatitis, is still the most commonly reported occupational skin disorder (60%). Remarkably, scabies was often reported. Most cases of occur in the building sector (42%), followed by industry (23%) and the healthcare sector (16%).
The building sector, followed by industry and the healthcare sector, was also responsible for the majority of occupational respiratory disorders. Dust, plant-based products, bacteria and dust (wherein silicium and quartz) were the most reported causes.
Hearing disorder caused by occupational exposure to noise decreased due to elimination of a health and safety sector in the construction industry. In total 44 of 74 reports of tinnitus were from the police sector.
Neurological disorders caused by occupational decreased from 165 (in 2015) to 114. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most frequently reported neurological disorder. Chronic Toxic Encephalopathy (CTE) is seldom reported due to prevention.
Infectious diseases caused by occupational exposure increased with 20% to 183 reports in the last two years.
The end of the continuing rise of new cases of mesothelioma is not in sight. Each year, there are 600 new cases of mesothelioma. In 2016 no reports of work-related effects on reproduction or the unborn child were received.
