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Report a occupational illness or workplace-related illness

Staff who consider themselves to be suffering from an occupational disease or a workplace-related illness must notify the employer and consult a doctor. It is important to inform the employer as soon as possible when symptoms appear in order to give them the opportunity to take measures necessary to prevent potential risk factors.

The employer keeps a record of occupational illnesses and incidents that can cause damage to health

The employer must keep a record of the illnesses that they have reason to suspect, or know, are rooted in specific work being done or other conditions in the workplace. They must also record incidents that could cause damage to health, such as chemical pollution that can have a detrimental effect on human health.

Risk assessment and prevention can prevent occupational illnesses and workplace-related illnesses. When an employee’s illness is suspected to be related to the work environment, it is important that the employer responds by identifying possible causes and takes the necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the illness within the employee group.

The AOSH keeps a registry of occupational diseases workplace-related illnesses reported to the administration by physicians. The purpose is to assess the incidence rate and spread of such illnesses and to identify their causes in the workplace, so that further cases of the disease can be prevented.

The AOSH does not decide which illnesses or symptoms can be confirmed as occupational diseases or workplace-related illnesses.When registering, it is recommended to refer to a list that is based on the EU List of Occupational Diseases. However, this list is not exhaustive and certain disease categories that may sometimes be work-related are not included on that list.

A physician reports an alleged occupational illness

A physician who discovers or suspects that an employee or group of employees has/have an occupational disease, a workplace-related illness or has/have suffered other harmful effects as a result of their work, shall without undue delay report it to the AOSH. These reports are independent of whether the occupational disease or the workplace-related illness is considered compensable.

Physicians shall, in the diagnosis and reporting of occupational diseases and workplace-related illnesses, maintain procedures in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation on the reporting and registration of occupational diseases. Even if certain diseases are not found on the list of occupational diseases that must be reported, it is no less urgent to report them if a causal link to the workplace is suspected. Reports can be submitted via the Saga System. The electronic form is number 225.

Occupational illnesses that must be reported

The list is based on the EU List of Occupational Illnesses and is not exhaustive. The fundamental factor is that it is suspected that the illnesses can be traced to the work.

Administration of Occupational Safety and Health

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Phone numer 550 4600

e-mail: vinnueftirlit@ver.is

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