What are the most common work-related illnesses?
January 13, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Erika Keck
Dear Doctor,
My name is Phillip Schulze and I have been working as an office employee in a large company for several years. In recent months, I have noticed an increase in health problems which I attribute to my workplace. I often suffer from headaches, back pain, and tension in the neck area. Additionally, I often feel tired and exhausted despite getting enough sleep.
I am concerned that these symptoms could be related to work-related illnesses. Therefore, I would like to learn more about the most common work-related illnesses and whether my symptoms could indicate them. Are there specific risk factors in my work environment that could lead to such complaints? What measures can I take to improve my health at work and prevent further illnesses?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with more information on this topic and possibly give me specific recommendations for my situation. I would like to strengthen my health in the workplace and stay healthy in the long term. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Phillip Schulze
Dear Mr. Schulze,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an occupational physician. I am sorry to hear that you have been experiencing increased health problems in the workplace in recent months. The symptoms you described such as headaches, back pain, neck tension, fatigue, and exhaustion could indeed be due to work-related illnesses.
In occupational medicine, there are various common work-related illnesses that can be exacerbated by certain risk factors in the workplace. These include the so-called "office syndrome," which can arise from long periods of sitting, improper ergonomic workplace design, screen work, and lack of movement. This can lead to complaints such as back and neck pain, headaches, eye problems, and fatigue.
Other possible work-related illnesses in office jobs may include stress, psychological stress, poor air quality, noise, or improper nutrition. These factors can have a negative impact on your health in the workplace and lead to various complaints.
To improve your health in the workplace and prevent further illnesses, I recommend the following measures:
1. Ergonomic workplace design: Ensure that your workspace is ergonomically set up to prevent back and neck pain.
2. Regular breaks and movement: Take regular short breaks to move around and relieve tension.
3. Eye and screen work: Take sufficient breaks during screen work and do regular eye exercises.
4. Stress management: Try to reduce stress in the workplace and look for relaxation methods to help you unwind.
5. Healthy diet and sufficient sleep: Pay attention to a balanced diet and enough sleep to support your health.
It would also be advisable to schedule an appointment with an occupational physician locally to further investigate your complaints and receive individual recommendations for your situation. I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you all the best for your health in the workplace.
Best regards,
Erika Keck
