Occupational Diseases and Seniors: Protecting Our Workforce Beyond Retirement
Published on Posted onAs we celebrate the Victorian Seniors Festival throughout October 2024, it’s important to reflect on the unique challenges faced by older Australians in the workforce. Australia’s ageing population is an important factor for many industries. With people living longer, many seniors are working well past the traditional retirement age. Further, many seniors may be living with an occupational disease and not realise their condition could be work related. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlights that among those aged 65 and older, lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis in particular pose significant risks due to occupational exposures. These diseases, often linked to long-term exposure to hazardous materials, are more common among older adults, largely due to the nature of these exposures and their long latency periods (the time between initial exposure to a cancer-causing agent and having symptoms). Because of this, some seniors might not immediately connect their current health issues with their past jobs.
It is important to note that some occupational diseases can be initially asymptomatic (show no symptoms), making screening and early detection essential. In other cases, recognizing the signs and symptoms of common occupational diseases early can improve long-term health outcomes.
Common Occupational Diseases in Seniors
Seniors, particularly those who have worked in industries such as construction, demolition, mining, firefighting or manufacturing, are at an increased risk of developing occupational diseases. The table below lists some of the most common occupational diseases seen in older adults, along with their symptoms and latency periods.
| Disease | Some Common Symptoms | Latency Period |
| Asbestosis | Dry cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness | 10 to 40 years |
| Blood Cancers | Fatigue, easy bruising, recurrent infections | Varies depending on the type of cancer |
| Mesothelioma | Chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, abdominal swelling | 20 to 60 years |
| Occupational Asthma | Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing | From several weeks to approximately 30 years |
| Occupational Breast Cancer | Lump in breast, changes in breast shape, skin dimpling | 10 to 30 years |
| Occupational Lung Cancer | Persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath | 15 to 35 years |
| Occupational Prostate Cancer | Difficulty urinating, blood in urine, pelvic discomfort | 15 to 20 years |
| Occupational Skin Cancer | New growths, sores that don’t heal, changes in moles | 20 to 50 years |
| Silicosis | Cough, fatigue, weight loss, shortness of breath | 10 to 20 years |
Am I Eligible for Compensation if I am Retired?
Yes, retirement does not necessarily preclude entitlement to compensation.
A former worker diagnosed with an occupational disease may be entitled to claim WorkCover compensation for:
- Medical and like expenses
- Impairment Benefit
- In some circumstances, damages for pain and suffering
To be eligible for WorkCover Compensation, it must be shown that the nature of your former employment significantly increased the risk of you developing the disease, rather than needing to prove that your current or past employment with a specific employer is the actual cause of the disease.
If you think you may have an occupational disease, you should see your general practitioner or specialist to determine if you have any conditions or diseases that may be due to the nature of your employment.
It is important that you give an occupational history – even if you are well into retirement noting some conditions can have lengthy latency periods between exposure and the onset of symptoms.
If you believe you have a disease that stems from your former working conditions, you can contact us for a No Fee, Obligation appointment.
