Toxic Injury:
The Toll of Occupational Disease
In 1976 Congress published a report titled "Chemical Dangers in the Workplace." This report noted that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimated that 390,000 new cases of occupational disease occur each year and that 100,000 Americans die from occupationally caused illness and disease every year. The report commented that this figure may be a low estimate because of the great numbers of cases which are not recognized as having an occupational cause. The report also observed that the National Cancer Institute estimated that 60 to 70 percent of all cancers are environmentally caused and that the Institute's "cancer map" shows that the production and use of industrial chemicals has produced striking geographic concentrations of cancer deaths in the U.S.
In 1999 an article titled "Global Burden of Disease and Injury Due to Occupational Factors" was published by investigators at the National Institute of Occupational Heath and Safety in Sydney, Australia. These authors estimated absolute morbidity and mortality due to occupational factors for the world using all available published data as of 1994. They estimated approximately 100 million occupational injuries (100,000 deaths) and 11 million occupational diseases (700,000 deaths) occur in the world each year. The authors considered these very conservative estimates which should provide a basis for health priority planning at a global level.
Chemical & Environmental Diseases
Work-Related Deaths
In 2000 an article titled "Work-Related Death: A Continuing Epidemic" was published by investigators at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. These researchers reported that worldwide, work-related illnesses and injuries kill approximately 1.1 million people per year. They noted that even though most estimates indicate that occupational diseases account for far more fatalities than occupational injuries, an accurate enumeration of occupational disease fatalities is hampered by a paucity of data, owing to underdiagnosis of occupational diseases and inadequacy of current surveillance systems.
Earnings Lost Due to Occupational Injuries
In 1999 researchers at Boston University published an article detailing the economic consequences of occupational injuries and disease. This was the first study based on individual data to estimate earnings lost from virtually all reported workplace injuries and illnesses in a state. The researches estimated lost earnings from workplace injuries and illnesses occurring in Wisconsin in 1989-90, using workers' compensation data and 6 years of unemployment insurance wage data. The authors concluded that overall, workers with compensated injuries and illnesses experienced discounted pre-tax losses projected to total over $530 billion (1994 dollars), with about 60% of after-tax losses replaced by workers' compensation.
Job-Related Injuries Impact on California
In 2001 researchers at the University of California at Davis estimated the annual incidence, mortality and direct and indirect costs associated with occupational injuries and illnesses in California in 1992. These authors estimated that approximately 660 job-related deaths from injury, 1,645,000 nonfatal injuries, 7079 deaths from diseases, and 133,000 illnesses occur annually in the civilian California workforce. The investigators estimated the total costs of these injuries at $20.7 billion ($7.04 billion direct costs, $13.62 billion indirect costs) The authors considered these estimates likely to be low, because they ignore costs associated with pain and suffering, they ignore home care provided by family members, and the numbers of occupational injuries and illnesses are likely to be undercounted. The authors concluded that occupational injuries and illnesses are a major contributor to the total cost of health care and lost productivity in California. The costs were on a par with those of all cancers combined and only slightly less than the cost of heart disease and stroke in California. The authors noted that workers' compensation covers less than half of the costs of occupational injury and illness.
Our Lawyers Can Help!
If you have questions about benzene poisoning or blood disorder symptoms and are concerned about possible occupational diseases and cancers, we are here to help. Toxic tort and injury laws are complex and confusing. The Metzger Law Group is here to help you. Call us today for a FREE evaluation to find out if you have a case or fill out our free evaluation forms to consult with a member of our caring staff.
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