German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) released a report showing that in 2009, the number of serious occupational accidents has fallen to its lowest level ever recorded: 26% of all working time Full 1000. The Berlin-based agency, provided that the incidents and deaths continue to decline.
On the down side, the report also states that accidents are still cost the German taxpayer € 75000000000 year. In 2006, the number of working days lost due to injury and sickness was estimated at 98.4 per cent of the 100 employees, the figure rose to 114.3 in 2009. Of working days lost in 2009, 22.8% were due to disorders and musculo-skeletal support, and 14.8% of respiratory diseases.
A major contributor to respiratory problems is occupational exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a highly toxic mineral that was widely used in industry and construction in the 19th and 20th century. It has since been banned from use in most developed countries. However, asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, which represents thousands of workers die each year.
Of the 2,803 workers died of occupational illnesses in 2009, 49.1% had developed the disease due to exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is the most problematic of these diseases. It is a cancer protective covering of the heart, lungs, chest and abdomen. Mesothelioma does not usually have symptoms until it has reached a stage three or four. By the time cancer is diagnosed, including surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the prognosis is usually only a few months.
On the down side, the report also states that accidents are still cost the German taxpayer € 75000000000 year. In 2006, the number of working days lost due to injury and sickness was estimated at 98.4 per cent of the 100 employees, the figure rose to 114.3 in 2009. Of working days lost in 2009, 22.8% were due to disorders and musculo-skeletal support, and 14.8% of respiratory diseases.
A major contributor to respiratory problems is occupational exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a highly toxic mineral that was widely used in industry and construction in the 19th and 20th century. It has since been banned from use in most developed countries. However, asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, which represents thousands of workers die each year.
Of the 2,803 workers died of occupational illnesses in 2009, 49.1% had developed the disease due to exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is the most problematic of these diseases. It is a cancer protective covering of the heart, lungs, chest and abdomen. Mesothelioma does not usually have symptoms until it has reached a stage three or four. By the time cancer is diagnosed, including surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the prognosis is usually only a few months.
