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Occupational disease

Occupational disease is disease which is predominantly caused by factors in the working situation, or the conditions on board, and disease which is contracted during travel to or from the ship at the expense of the shipping company, or under national law.

Occupational disease

  • If an occupational disease is suspected, the shipping company is obliged to investigate the case in more detail to clarify whether it is overwhelmingly likely that the disease was caused by factors in the working situation. In many cases, it will be natural to get assistance from the company health service or other external medical expertise.

  • Occupational disease must be reported to the Norwegian Maritime Authority. The requirement to report occurs when the shipping company has found it predominantly probable that the condition is an occupational disease.

    There are no separate forms for this, and a report describing the situation can be sent to the Norwegian Maritime Authority's regular post office. 

    The consideration behind the provision is to make it easier for the Norwegian Maritime Authority to become aware of circumstances that may indicate that inspections or other measures should be carried out.

    For employees who are covered by the national insurance, it is important that it is also reported to NAV. More information about this is available at Nav: Occupational injury and occupational disease