Recognition of COVID-19 with occupational origin: a comparison between European countries
Journal
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Date Issued
2023-11
Author(s)
Nys, Evelien
Pauwels, Sara
Ádám, Balázs
Amaro, João
Athanasiou, Athanasios
Bashkin, Osnat
Bric, Tatjana Kofol
Bulat, Petar
Caglayan, Cigdem
Guseva Canu, Irina
Cebanu, Serghei
Charbotel, Barbara
Cirule, Jolanta
Curti, Stefania
Davidovitch, Nadav
Dopelt, Keren
Fikfak, Metoda Dodic
Frilander, Heikki
Gustavsson, Per
Höper, Anje Christina
Kiran, Sibel
Kogevinas, Manolis
Kudász, Ferenc
Kolstad, Henrik A
Lazarevic, Sanja Brekalo
Macan, Jelena
Majery, Nicole
Marinaccio, Alessandro
Mates, Dana
Mattioli, Stefano
McElvenny, Damien Martin
Mediouni, Zakia
Mehlum, Ingrid Sivesind
Merisalu, Eda
Nena, Evangelia
Noone, Peter
Otelea, Marina Ruxandra
Pelclova, Daniela
Pranjic, Nurka
Rosso, Mark
Serra, Consol
Rushton, Lesley
Sandal, Abdulsamet
Schernhammer, Eva S
Turner, Michelle C
van der Molen, Henk F
Varga, Marek
Walusiak-Skorupa, Jolanta
Straif, Kurt
Godderis, Lode
DOI
10.1136/oemed-2022-108726
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to present an overview of the formal recognition of COVID-19 as occupational disease (OD) or injury (OI) across Europe.
Methods A COVID-19 questionnaire was designed by a task group within COST-funded OMEGA-NET and sent to occupational health experts of 37 countries in WHO European region, with a last update in April 2022.
Results The questionnaire was filled out by experts from 35 countries. There are large differences between national systems regarding the recognition of OD and OI: 40% of countries have a list system, 57% a mixed system and one country an open system. In most countries, COVID-19 can be recognised as an OD (57%). In four countries, COVID-19 can be recognised as OI (11%) and in seven countries as either OD or OI (20%). In two countries, there is no recognition possible to date. Thirty-two countries (91%) recognise COVID-19 as OD/OI among healthcare workers. Working in certain jobs is considered proof of occupational exposure in 25 countries, contact with a colleague with confirmed infection in 19 countries, and contact with clients with confirmed infection in 21 countries. In most countries (57%), a positive PCR test is considered proof of disease. The three most common compensation benefits for COVID-19 as OI/OD are disability pension, treatment and rehabilitation. Long COVID is included in 26 countries.
Conclusions COVID-19 can be recognized as OD or OI in 94% of the European countries completing this survey, across different social security and embedded occupational health systems.
Methods A COVID-19 questionnaire was designed by a task group within COST-funded OMEGA-NET and sent to occupational health experts of 37 countries in WHO European region, with a last update in April 2022.
Results The questionnaire was filled out by experts from 35 countries. There are large differences between national systems regarding the recognition of OD and OI: 40% of countries have a list system, 57% a mixed system and one country an open system. In most countries, COVID-19 can be recognised as an OD (57%). In four countries, COVID-19 can be recognised as OI (11%) and in seven countries as either OD or OI (20%). In two countries, there is no recognition possible to date. Thirty-two countries (91%) recognise COVID-19 as OD/OI among healthcare workers. Working in certain jobs is considered proof of occupational exposure in 25 countries, contact with a colleague with confirmed infection in 19 countries, and contact with clients with confirmed infection in 21 countries. In most countries (57%), a positive PCR test is considered proof of disease. The three most common compensation benefits for COVID-19 as OI/OD are disability pension, treatment and rehabilitation. Long COVID is included in 26 countries.
Conclusions COVID-19 can be recognized as OD or OI in 94% of the European countries completing this survey, across different social security and embedded occupational health systems.
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