The Prevalence of Occupational Risk Factors and Occupational Diseases in Kerman, Iran

Background and aims: Many workers face significant hazardous workplace exposures, especially indeveloping countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of occupational riskfactors and common occupational diseases in Kerman.Methods: This study was based on data from occupational risk factor and disease monitoring systemsavailable at Kerman Province Health Center during 2011-2015. These data are gathered semiannuallyby occupational hygienists based on standard checklists provided by the Ministry of Health andMedical Education and these checklists include exposures and diseases related to the workplace.Results: Based on the results, 292 (3.7%), 281 (3.58%), 261 (3.32%), and 115 (1.47%) cases werefound regarding occupational hearing loss, respiratory conditions, work-related back pain, andmusculoskeletal disorders, respectively, which were related to different occupational exposuresdiagnosed in Kerman during 2011-2015. Moreover, dust, work tools, wrong body position duringwork, and noise were the most common risk factors in this respect.Conclusion: Overall, occupational hazards are considered as an important health issue in Kerman.Therefore, it is necessary to control exposure to these risk factors in order to prevent occupationaldiseases.