Kathmandu, August 13
For the first time, the government has legally recognized various work-related illnesses as “occupational diseases.” The Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security has published the list of such diseases in the Nepal Gazette in accordance with the Labour Regulations, 2075 B.S.
This decision legally addresses health problems caused by workplace dust, chemicals, noise, or the nature of work as occupational issues rather than personal ones. It will help protect the health rights of millions of workers and make employers more responsible for ensuring workplace safety.
The government-recognized occupational diseases are divided into eight categories. Diseases caused by exposure to agents arising from work activities include those caused by chemical agents, physical agents, and infectious or parasitic diseases caused by biological agents.
These include illnesses caused by chromium, lead, mercury, benzene, respiratory-obstructing gases, sulfur oxides, zinc, organic solvents, chlorine, and other pharmaceutical agents.
Diseases caused by physical factors include hearing loss, the effects of radiation, and health problems caused by working in extreme temperatures.
Infectious diseases caused by biological agents include hepatitis B, C, and HIV, brucellosis, anthrax, tetanus, tuberculosis, and leptospirosis — illnesses that can spread through the use of rusted tools, any workplace environment, or contact with animal urine.
Respiratory system diseases include pneumoconiosis, siderosis, bagassosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Skin and musculoskeletal diseases include skin conditions such as allergies and dermatitis caused by contact with chemicals or other substances, while musculoskeletal disorders include carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, bursitis, and meniscus lesions.
Mental and behavioral disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can develop in workers who experience traumatic events such as accidents or violence in the course of their work.
Occupational cancers include cancers caused by exposure to asbestos, chromium, coal tars, coal tar pitches or soot, benzene, ionizing radiation, tar, pitch, bitumen, minerals, oil, wood dust, arsenic and its compounds, cadmium, and the hepatitis B and C viruses.
Chapter 12 of the Labour Act, 2074 B.S., contains provisions related to occupational safety and health. It states that if a worker contracts an occupational disease, the employer must cover the prescribed treatment costs, and if the disease is incurable, the employer must provide the prescribed compensation.
