Disability from occupational diseases in Greece.

BACKGROUND

Occupational diseases (ODs) are often under-reported. OD Medical Committees of the Greek Social Security Institute (Idryma Kinonikon Asfaliseon-IKA) are believed to be the only reliable source of data on ODs in Greece.

AIMS: To analyse the results of OD Medical Committees of IKA on the claims for OD Disablement Benefit (ODDB) during a 5 year period.

METHODS

Two hundred and ninety-nine claims for ODDB were submitted to IKA from 2003 to 2007. These claims were examined on a monthly basis.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-one cases of ODs (153 men and 18 women, mean age = 57 +/- 8 years) were recorded (recognition rate = 61%); 125 of these qualified for ODDB (pension rate = 42%). The main diagnosis was allergic contact dermatitis (40% of total cases of ODs), followed by lead toxicity (12%) and asthma (11%). Of the six main diagnoses, the most serious was lead toxicity (mean disability percentage = 59 +/- 19%, n = 21).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals flaws in the existing system of recognition of ODs in Greece, illustrated mainly by the small number of claims for ODDB. Possible explanations are delays in establishing a new widened list of ODs, lack of a unified recording and notification system, lack of motivation on behalf of the patients and the small number of occupational physicians.