A newly released report from the State of Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission sheds light on the ongoing challenges of workplace-related illnesses, with an estimated 31,016 occupational disease cases reported for 2023. The report, prepared by Professor Emeritus Tim Morse, Ph.D., of the UConn School of Medicine and UConn Health, emphasises the importance of continued efforts to prevent such illnesses.
Comprehensive Data Analysis Reveals Key Trends
The 2025 Occupational Disease in Connecticut report, based on the latest available data from 2023, utilised information from multiple sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics/Connecticut Department of Labor (BLS/CTDOL), the Occupational Illness and Injury Surveillance System (OIISS), and Workers’ Compensation First Reports of Injury (WCC).
Through a detailed capture-recapture analysis, the report combined and compared cases from these systems to estimate unreported incidents. Among the notable findings:
- The BLS/CTDOL annual survey estimated 3,500 occupational disease cases.
- Workers’ Compensation First Reports of Injury recorded 5,188 cases.
- Physicians reported 2,263 cases through the OIISS.
- A total of 7,104 unique cases were identified from Workers’ Compensation and physician reports combined.
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Infectious Diseases Dominate
The report highlights musculoskeletal disorders, including conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, as the most prevalent type of occupational disease. These conditions accounted for 49% of cases reported through workers’ compensation and 26% of physician reports.
Infectious diseases ranked as the second most common category, representing 22% of workers’ compensation reports and 41% of physician reports. Notably, the report observed a significant decline in COVID-19 cases, from 1,851 in 2022 to 164 in 2023. However, other infectious diseases and respiratory conditions have shown marked increases.
"Occupational diseases often develop gradually and can be difficult to recognise, making comprehensive data collection essential for prevention", said Morse. He noted the progress made in reducing COVID-19-related cases while pointing out the persistent hazards posed by other workplace illnesses.
A Call for Safer Work Environments
Stephen M. Morelli, chairperson of the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission, underscored the importance of the report as a tool for improving workplace safety. "By identifying trends and high-risk industries, we can work with employers, employees, and health professionals to reduce occupational illnesses and create safer work environments for everyone", he said.
The complete report, available through the UConn Health website, includes detailed analysis by industry, illness type, and municipality, as well as historical trends and recommendations for preventing occupational diseases. The findings serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to prioritise workplace safety and health.
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