Factors associated with occupational disease among young people: a systematic review

Reasons for the study

What individual, job and workplace factors are associated with occupational disease among young people 12 to 24 years of age? This is an important question for three reasons. Since young workers are concentrated in certain industries and jobs, they may have different exposures to hazards than older workers. Since young workers are being exposed to hazards for the first time, the link between exposure and disease may be clearer. And, since young workers are still developing, they may be more vulnerable to work-related diseases. IWH undertook a systematic review to determine what factors are associated with occupational disease among young workers.

Progress

The systematic review was completed in 2006. It found limited evidence on occupational disease among young people. Nontheless, even though occupational diseases receive less attention than acute injuries among young workers, the review showed that some diseases such as hand dermatitis and lung conditions are prevalent among young workers in certain
occupations.