OSH News

Eurostat has published data on occupational cancer in the EU between 2013 and 2021 and 33 712 cases were recognised in this period. The numbers for 2020 and 2021 were lower than the 2013-2019 average due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare systems. 

Lung cancer (13 944 cases) followed by mesothelioma (with 13 530 cases, a type of cancer connected to asbestos exposure) are the most two common types of occupational cancer and combined suppose approximately the 80% of the total reported during this period. 

Aware that work-related cancer is one of the biggest occupational health problems in Europe, EU-OSHA has recently published the first findings of Workers’ Exposure Survey (WES) on cancer risk factors in Europe. WES has revealed that UV radiation and diesel emissions are the most frequent cancer risk exposures in Europe’s workplaces.

Learn more about WES in the dedicated web section.