Fewer Occupational Diseases in Poland; Stress Emerges as a Major Problem

Poland is observing a notable reduction in diagnosed occupational diseases, a trend that suggests improvements in workplace safety and preventative measures across various economic sectors. A report from the Prof. Jerzy Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine indicates that in 2025, there were 275 fewer newly identified occupational diseases compared to 2024, marking a 10.1% decrease.

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In my opinion, there may be several reasons for the decrease in the number of diagnosed occupational diseases. Firstly, the level of diagnostics and treatment is improving. Earlier recognition of health problems and more effective prevention may mean that some conditions do not develop to the point where they are classified as occupational diseases.

Experts point to several factors contributing to this decline. Professor Grażyna Spytek-Bandurska from the Federation of Polish Entrepreneurs suggests that enhanced diagnostic capabilities and earlier detection of health issues mean some conditions may not progress to the point of being classified as occupational diseases. She also notes a consistent improvement in working conditions, with greater emphasis on ergonomics, safety, and job organization. Employers are increasingly recognizing that prevention is more cost-effective than treating the consequences of accidents or diseases, and employees are more aware of their rights and demand safer tools.

Furthermore, the increasing automation in many companies reduces the need for employees to perform physically demanding tasks or be exposed to hazards like noise, dust, or chemical fumes. Changes in the labor market also play a role. Traditional industries with higher risks of occupational diseases are shrinking, while the service sector and modern technologies are growing, potentially altering the statistics.

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Secondly, as she indicates, working conditions have been improving for years. Greater attention is paid to ergonomics, safety, and the organization of workstations, which can also reduce the risk of occupational diseases. Employers are aware that prevention is cheaper than treating the consequences of accidents or occupational diseases, and employees are more aware of their rights and expect safe work tools.

Despite the decrease in traditional occupational diseases, the report highlights that work-related stress is emerging as a primary health risk. This stress can lead to burnout, depression, and anxiety. Experts argue that since these conditions are not currently classified as occupational diseases, there is a need to broaden the discussion to include the chronic effects of workplace stress. A key challenge remains in definitively linking stress levels directly to work, as overall well-being is influenced by numerous factors beyond the professional sphere.

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Regarding stress, it is indeed a topic discussed more and more often. The biggest challenge, however, is to determine the extent to which stress is directly related to the work performed. Our well-being depends not only on work.