Erhvervssygdomsliste

Erhvervssygdomsliste is an official Danish registry that catalogs diseases and conditions considered to be caused or aggravated by work activities. The list serves as a basis for occupational health and safety law, enabling employers to identify and control workplace risks and allowing employees to claim benefits under the Danish sickness insurance system. The register is maintained by the Danish Working Life Centre (Arbejdsmarkedets Erhvervs- og Arbejdsmiljøkontrol) together with the Institute for Occupational Health. It is updated regularly to reflect new scientific findings and changes in legislation.

The list includes a broad spectrum of health problems: occupational dermatoses such as contact dermatitis and hand eczema, respiratory tract diseases including chronic bronchitis and pneumoconiosis, hearing loss from prolonged exposure to industrial noise, and musculoskeletal disorders such as occupational back pain caused by heavy lifting. Additionally, the register incorporates certain cancers that have been linked to workplace exposure, for example, mesothelioma related to asbestos. Conditions that may have a non‑direct occupational origin are also included when evidence indicates a significant contribution from the workplace.

Employers must review the list annually and undertake preventive measures to reduce exposure to listed hazards. Employees who experience symptoms identified on the list may seek a diagnosis from a certified occupational health specialist and, upon confirmation, file a claim for compensation. The Erhvervssygdomsliste thus provides a legal and practical tool that safeguards workers’ health, promotes safer workplace practices, and supports efficient handling of occupational disease claims in Denmark.