Definition(s)
Occupational illness
An occupational illness is any abnormal condition or disorder caused by prolonged or repeated exposure to environmental factors associated with employment. Occupational illnesses may be caused by inhalation, absorption, ingestion or direct contact with a hazard, as well as exposure to physical and psychological hazards. The effects of ordinary workplace stress (i.e. inherent to job duties) are not considered to be a psychological hazard. Note: IRF (www.irfoffshoresafety.com/country/performance/scope.aspx); OSH (NL) 15.1 and OSH (NS) Element 2, Part 15, Section 15.1. Occupational illnesses are different from occupational injuries (refer to Section 6.4) in that occupational injuries are caused by instantaneous events in the work environment or events close in time. Cases resulting from anything other than instantaneous events are considered occupational illnesses. Occupational illnesses shall be reported via the written notification process described in Section 5.3.3. Note: OSH (NL) 15.4; OSH (NS) Element 2, Part 15, Section 15.4.
Source: Incident Reporting and Investigation Guidelines, The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board and Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board, Canada, November 30, 2012. Regulatory Guidance
Occupational illness
Any abnormal condition or disorder, other than one resulting from an occupational injury, caused by exposure to environmental factors associated with employment. Occupational illness may be caused by inhalation, absorption, ingestion of, or direct contact with the hazard, as well as exposure to physical and psychological hazards. It will generally result from prolonged or repeated exposure. Refer to OGP/IPECA Report No. 393, Health Performance Indicators (2007).
Source: OGP Report No. 456, Process Safety – Recommended Practice on Key Performance Indicators, International Association of Oil & Gas Producers, November 2011. Global Standards