Most jurisdictions in Australia have enacted special provisions in their workers’ compensation legislation which deem specified occupational diseases as being caused by specified work related activities. This report was commissioned by Safe Work Australia to review the latest scientific evidence on the causal link between diseases and occupational exposures for use by Australian jurisdictions considering a revision to the deemed diseases list in their workers’ compensation legislation. The report provides useful evidence-based information for anyone involved in the prevention or compensation of occupational disease.

The list of deemed diseases includes: Infectious diseases, Mental or neuropsychiatric diseases, Neurological Diseases, Noise induced hearing loss, Cardiovascular diseases, Respiratory diseases, Hepatic diseases, Skin diseases, Musculoskeletal diseases, Vibration diseases, Diseases of the genitourinary system, Reproductive risks, and Multiple chemical sensitivity.