The difference between a work accident and a work-related disease

Employers are legally bound to protect their employees from work accidents and work-related diseases. Occupational accident insurance provides coverage for work accidents, and you can take one out with an insurer. The ADIS offers office insurance, which includes, among other things, the compulsory Occupational accident insurance.

On the other hand, Labour Market Insurance (AES) provides coverage for Work-related diseases after previous registration at AES.

In case of an accident, the description of the injury and the documentation of the working conditions must be as detailed and accurate as possible. It is because it can be crucial in terms of having the claim recognised or not.

What is a work accident?

• Physical or mental injury
• The accident occurred because of your work or the conditions surrounding the job
• The accident must have happened either suddenly or within five days

Example:
A sudden injury caused by a sudden fall or a road accident.
Injury within five days, for example, can be a task performed over a short period that results in severe back pain (moving heavy archives or the like).

What is a work-related disease?

• Diseases or conditions caused directly by your work or related to the conditions surrounding and defining your work

Example: 

A work-related disease can be tennis elbow, allergy, asthma etc.
Work-related conditions can be caused by poor technique while performing repetitive physical activities, such as heavy lifting, working in a noisy environment, a polluted environment and the like.

To learn more about work accidents and work-related diseases, please go to www.aes.dk.