Occupational diseases compensated in the Tunisian public sector

Describe the epidemiological characteristics of occupational diseases (OD) recognized by the Central Medical Commission (CMC) of the first ministry during the period from 2012 to 2019.

It was a descriptive and retrospective study covering all cases of diseases declared and recognized as occupational diseases by the CMC of the first ministry in the public sector and their repair during the period from the first of January 2012 to December 31, 2019.

During the study period, 294 OD were declared, of which, 213 were recognized by the CMC (72.4%). The average age of the population was 45.8 ± 10.9 years. A female predominance was noted (61%). Most employees (56%) were part of the health sector. Tuberculosis was the most common occupational disease (21.1%). Cancers were present in 5.6% of cases. In this series, 99 workers had a temporary total disability (TTD) (46.5%). A partial permanent disability rate (PPD) was attributed to 20 victims of OD (9.4%) with an average rate of 29% and extremes ranging from 8% to 70%.

The OD recognized in the public sector seemed to be low. This encourages better information for workers on occupational risks and better awareness of attending physicians to report the professional nature of PD.