Interpretation of Classification and Catalogue of Occupational Diseases

First, why should we adjust the classification and catalog of occupational diseases?

In 1957, China first issued the "Regulations on Trial Implementation of Occupational Disease Range and Treatment Measures for Occupational Diseases," identifying 14 occupational diseases. By 1987, this was revised to 9 categories with 99 types. In 2002, in coordination with the implementation of the Occupational Disease Prevention Law, the former Ministry of Health and the former Ministry of Labor and Social Security issued the "Clinical Catalogue of Occupational Diseases," increasing the number to 115 types. Over time, as China's economy grew and new technologies emerged, the list became outdated. The current catalogue had not been updated for over a decade, leading to calls for modernization.

On December 31, 2011, the Standing Committee of the 11th National People’s Congress passed the "Decision on Amending (The Occupational Disease Prevention Law of the People's Republic of China)," which mandated that the State Council’s health administrative department, together with other relevant departments, would be responsible for formulating, adjusting, and issuing the classification and catalogue of occupational diseases. This change aimed to better reflect the evolving nature of workplace hazards and ensure workers’ rights were protected.

Second, why was the term changed from “Occupational Disease List” to “Occupational Disease Classification and Directory”? In 2002, the former Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security issued the “Occupational Disease List,” expanding it to 10 categories and 115 types. The new version maintained the same number of categories but adjusted three of them to align with the legal framework of the Occupational Disease Prevention Law. This shift emphasized a more structured and comprehensive approach to categorizing occupational diseases.

Third, how was the Classification and Catalogue of Occupational Diseases adjusted? In January 2012, the National Health and Family Planning Commission, along with other key departments, initiated the adjustment process. A working group was formed, and extensive research was conducted through surveys, expert meetings, and public consultations. After multiple revisions and discussions, the final version was approved and officially released in 2013. This process ensured transparency and inclusivity, reflecting the needs of both workers and employers.

What is the principle of adjustment of the Classification and Catalogue of Occupational Diseases? The adjustments followed several key principles: prioritizing workers' health, focusing on major occupational diseases, considering China’s economic capacity, maintaining consistency, establishing a dynamic update mechanism, and ensuring openness and transparency.

What are the principles for selecting occupational diseases? The selection criteria include a clear cause-effect relationship, a sufficient number of affected individuals, reliable diagnostic methods, and specificity to certain occupations. These standards ensure that only the most relevant and impactful diseases are included in the catalogue.

What changes have been made to the list of occupational diseases? The revised catalogue includes 132 types, adding 18 new ones and merging two existing categories. It also adjusts the names of several diseases to reflect more accurate medical terminology and improve clarity.

What changes have been made to the classification of occupational diseases? The overall structure remains at 10 categories, but three have been redefined. For example, "pneumoconiosis" and "other respiratory diseases" were combined into one category, and "occupational poisoning" was renamed to "chemical poisoning." Additionally, "occupational diseases caused by biological factors" was reclassified as "occupational infectious diseases."

What changes have been made to occupational pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases? The term "pneumoconiosis" was updated to "pneumoconiosis," and new conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hard metal lung disease were added. Also, "allergic alveolitis" was reclassified as "allergic obstructive inflammation."

What changes have been made to occupational skin diseases, eye diseases, and ENT diseases? New skin conditions such as "white spot" were added, and "photosensitive dermatitis" was renamed to "photoinduced contact dermatitis." No changes were made to eye diseases, but an occupational ear, nose, and throat condition called "knocking" was introduced.

What changes have been made to occupational chemical poisoning? Five new types of chemical poisoning were added, including indium compound poisoning and bromopropane poisoning. Several terms were updated for clarity, such as changing "uranism" to "uranium poisoning" and "organophosphorus pesticide poisoning" to "organic phosphorus poisoning."

What changes have been made to occupational diseases caused by physical factors and radioactive exposure? Two new conditions were added: "laser-induced eye injury" and "frost injury." In the category of radioactive diseases, the range of tumors was expanded to include lung cancer caused by miner’s sorghum exposure.

What changes have been made to occupational infectious diseases? Two new diseases were added: "AIDS (among healthcare workers and police)" and "Lyme disease." The term "Bruschtosis" was updated to "Brucella."

AIDS among healthcare workers and police refers to infections contracted through exposure to HIV-infected materials during work activities. Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is prevalent among forest workers due to tick bites.

What changes have been made to occupational cancers? Three new types of occupational cancers were added, including lung cancer from iron-zeolite exposure and skin cancer from coal tar exposure. Several existing entries were also revised for accuracy and clarity.

What changes have been made to other occupational diseases? Conditions such as bursitis and femoral vein thrombosis syndrome were expanded to include more worker groups. These updates ensure broader coverage and better protection for those at risk.

Who are the main groups affected by these changes? The new classification covers workers in various industries, including mining, metallurgy, chemicals, forestry, construction, and healthcare. It also includes low-temperature workers and law enforcement personnel.

What treatment benefits do occupational disease patients receive? Workers diagnosed with occupational diseases are entitled to medical care and compensation under the Occupational Disease Prevention Law and Work-related Injury Insurance Regulations. Employers who participate in insurance cover the costs, while non-participating employers must pay directly.

If a worker cannot confirm their employer or labor relationship, they can apply for assistance from local government authorities for medical and financial support.

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