Occupational asthma
Asthma caused or made worse by sensitising substances or other agents encountered at work. A reportable occupational disease in GB and Ireland and a recordable illness under OSHA where work-related.
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“occupational asthma”Exact equivalentA reportable occupational disease under RIDDOR 2013, Schedule 3, when diagnosed in a person employed in a listed occupation. COSHH 2002 requires specific health surveillance for workers exposed to respiratory sensitisers.
Irish HSA
“occupational asthma”Close equivalentA notifiable occupational disease under Irish reporting regulations. The Chemical Agents Regulations 2001 require health surveillance for workers exposed to respiratory sensitisers.
US OSHA
“occupational asthma”Close equivalentOccupational asthma is a recordable occupational illness under 29 CFR 1904.5 if work-related and meeting recording criteria. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95(m) addresses certain respiratory conditions in the noise context; specific substance standards address respiratory sensitisers.
Practitioner note: Once sensitised, a worker reacts to minute exposures. Removal from exposure, not heavier PPE, is the usual answer.