On January 1, 2023, the Regulation for the compensation of occupational diseases related to substances (TSB) will come into force. This scheme offers the possibility that people with various occupational diseases due to dangerous substances can apply for a subsidy from the government.
Tired of your job. Unfortunately, it happens to many people. In the distant past, typical ailments were given a name with a trade, such as the ‘chest of the shoemaker’. Even in modern times the language is enriched with diseases that are the result of work. Examples are painter’s disease, hairdresser’s eczema, and RSI.
About 14% of sick absenteeism in the Netherlands is caused by a work-related condition. Of the total disease burden in the Netherlands, 5% is the result of unhealthy working conditions. A very high percentage, comparable to health problems caused by overweight (5.2% of the disease burden is attributable to this).
It is strange that, despite these alarming figures, there is so little attention given to unhealthy working conditions. The position of corporate doctor (medical specialist in the field of work and health) is at the bottom of the popularity ladder among medical students.
This has everything to do with the way our social system is set up. After all, it doesn’t matter what the cause of a disease is, for the benefit you receive. It is very different in neighboring countries, where there are separate regulations and lists for work-related illnesses and injuries.
As is well known, the dire situation of asbestos victims in 2000 led to the establishment of the Institute for Asbestos Victims. This has led to a provision for asbestos victims with lung cancer. This was expanded in 2014 for asbestosis victims. In 2020, the CSE regime for victims of the painter’s illness came into force.
And now, from January 1, 2023, the Regulation for the compensation of occupational diseases related to substances (TSB) will come into force. This scheme offers the possibility that people with various occupational diseases due to dangerous substances can apply for a subsidy from the government. Initially, only victims with asbestos-related lung cancer and occupational asthma may register, but gradually the program will be expanded to include more occupational diseases.
For the implementation, a sister organization of the IAS was formed: the Institute for Occupational Diseases of Dangerous Substances (ISBG for short). The experience the IAS has gained with asbestos victim files can be used for groups with another occupational disease.
Source: see website of Institute for Asbestos Victims
See also the site of Institute for Victims of Occupational Diseases Due to Hazardous Substances (ISBG for short)
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