Occupational Disease and Its Recognition in Various Jurisdictions: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Occupational diseases arise from exposure to risk factors present in the workplace and undergo a process of study based on clinical and regulatory criteria for their recognition and economic compensation. This research synthesizes an approach to the recognition of occupational diseases through a comprehensive of the available scientific literature, following the methodological guidelines of PRISMA-ScR. Of the 152 references retrieved from the six selected databases, the analysis ultimately included 13 articles describing the recognition of conventional and emerging pathologies as occupational diseases. Although the legal basis often differs between jurisdictions, the method for determining causality among occupational, non-occupational, and personal risk factors remains consistent, as it is a medicolegal construct. Thus, understanding diseases, agents, and working conditions through exposure time allows for the development of better preventive measures to protect workers’ health and safety.