Surveillance of work-related diseases by occupational physicians in the UK: OPRA 1996-1999

The Occupational Physicians' Reporting Activity (OPRA) surveillance scheme for occupational physicians has now been in place for 4 years. During this period, an estimated 43,764 new cases of work-related disease have been rep orted. Musculoskeletal conditions make up nearly half (49%) of all cases: m ental ill-health and skin disease account for 20% each, with respiratory co nditions (8%) and hearing loss (5%) seen in lower proportions. Overall, eig ht of 42 diagnoses made up four-fifths of the new cases reported by occupat ional physicians. These were hand and arm disorders (8052 estimated cases). contact dermatitis (7104), disorders of the lumbar spine (6000), anxiety a nd depression (4788), work-related stress (3336), hearing loss (2100), elbo w disorders (2040), and asthma(1680). Dermatitis and hearing loss were most frequent in manufacturing industries. lower back complaints in health care , and upper limb disorders in automotive manufacture. Psychiatric illnesses presented a different pattern, mainly affecting those in health, education and social service.