Tuberculosis as an occupational disease

Health workers are exposed to numerous infectious diseases from which the patients they attend are suffering and that have been recognised as occupational infectious diseases. Those most frequently reported are acquired by the haematogenous path, especially hepatitis due to virus B. Numerous infectious diseases are transmitted through airways and until the coming of acute severe respiratory syndrome caused by a coronavirus, tuberculosis was one of the most dreaded. In this paper we analyse the reasons why tuberculosis is considered to be an occupational disease in health personnel; which activities entail most risk and the measures that should be adopted to reduce nosocomial transmission.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome as an occupational disease

BACKGROUND: Symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) represent common patient complaints for many primary care physicians. However, there is a surprising lack of guidelines on diagnosing occupational CTS readily accessible to primary care physicians. This article aims to fill part of that void by reviewing historical aspects of occupational CTS, leading up to more current epidemiologic studies of the association of CTS with occupational ergonomic risk factors. METHODS: The English medical literature was reviewed on the relationship between CTS and occupational ergonomic risk factors. Recent legislative initiatives are discussed. Guidelines of diagnosing and managing occupational CTS are outlined. RESULTS: Many studies are divided regarding whether CTS is associated with highly repetitive/forceful/vibration work. However, a subset of patients presenting with symptoms related to CTS probably has occupational CTS. These patients can be objectively diagnosed and successfully treated and are able to return to work. CONCLUSIONS: By being armed with knowledge regarding the background of CTS and by following simple diagnosis and treatment guidelines, the family practitioner should be able to manage many patients presenting with work-related CTS.     

Essential hypertension as an occupational disease in engine crew members

The paper raises the question as to whether essential hypertension should be included into a list of occupational diseases (intellectual, sensory, and emotional workloads and working conditions) in engine crew members. In the engine crew members of the South-Eastern Railway, the cases and days lost because of illness and temporary disability are higher than those in the whole railway. 32% of the engine drivers (assistants) are followed up for diagnosed essential hypertension. Hypertension (49.7%) is the main reason for suspending engine crew members from work as evidenced by train pre-trip medical examinations. The working conditions (noise, infrasound, mcroclimate) in train engineer's cabs do not meet the sanitary requirements; in this connection the occupational disease sensorineural hearing loss is also registered.