The Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission, in collaboration with UConn Health and other state agencies, has issued its 2024 Occupational Disease Report, highlighting data and trends in occupational illnesses across the state for the year 2022. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the types, prevalence, and distribution of occupational diseases (not including acute traumatic injuries which are reported elsewhere) reported in Connecticut, offering critical insights for policymakers, employers, and healthcare professionals.

Key Findings by UConn Health:

• Rise in Occupational Disease Cases: The report identifies a significant increase in reported occupational disease cases in 2022, with a total of 8,418 unique cases, including 3,430 COVID-19 cases. This represents a 21% increase in the overall rate of occupational illnesses compared to the previous year. Including estimates of unreported cases yielded over 30,000 cases of reported and unreported occupational illnesses.
• Musculoskeletal Disorders Lead the Statistics: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) were the most commonly reported occupational condition, accounting for 36% of unique reports. The report highlights the prevalence of conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and tendonitis, particularly in industries involving repetitive motion and physical labor.
• Impact of COVID-19: While the number of COVID-19 cases reported through workers’ compensation saw a slight decrease in 2022, the pandemic continued to have a profound impact on occupational health, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors, which reported the highest rates of illness.
• Infectious Diseases Beyond COVID-19: The report also notes a 13% increase in non-COVID infectious diseases, with a particular rise in cases related to bloodborne pathogen exposures, highlighting ongoing risks in health care settings.
• Geographic Variations: Occupational illness rates varied significantly across Connecticut towns, with Woodbridge, Vernon, and Suffield reporting the highest rates of illness per 10,000 workers, often correlating with the presence of large employers in high-risk industries.
• Gender and Age Disparities: The report points out that women were disproportionately affected by occupational diseases, comprising 53% of the reported cases. Additionally, rates of illness increased gradually with age, with the highest rates observed among workers aged 55-64, reflecting the increased vulnerability of older workers.
• Industry: The highest rates of illnesses were in the broad categories of Government, Education/Health, Manufacturing and Trade, and specific industries of Nursing and Residential Care Facilities, Local Government, Support Activities for Transportation (primarily airports), Hardware Stores, and State Government.

Stephen M. Morelli, Chairperson of the Workers’ Compensation Commission, emphasizes the importance of the report in guiding efforts to improve workplace safety and health.

“The 2024 report underscores the critical need for continued vigilance in protecting workers from occupational diseases,” says Morelli.

Tim Morse, Ph.D. of UConn Health, an occupational and environmental health expert and author of the annual report, adds, “Musculoskeletal conditions remain the largest source of occupational illness, and can be addressed through proven programs of ergonomics, with solutions developed by worker-management health and safety committees (health and safety committees are required of all employers with 25 or more employees in Connecticut).

“Helpful occupational health resources are part of this report, including relevant websites and apps as well as a description of agencies, occupational health clinics, and organizations that work on job health and safety.”

Recommendations:

The report suggests targeted interventions in high-risk industries, enhanced safety protocols, and improved reporting systems to ensure timely and accurate data collection.

About the Occupational Disease Surveillance Program:

The Occupational Disease Surveillance Program is a collaborative effort between the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission, the Connecticut Department of Labor, and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, occupational health clinics, with research and data analysis provided by UConn Health. The program aims to monitor and report on trends in occupational diseases to inform public health initiatives and workplace safety regulations.

For more information and to access the full report, visit the UConn Health website.