Nation revises occupational disease list

Workers in the manufacturing industry who are experiencing pain or numbness in their wrists and emergency personnel suffering from PTSD will soon be eligible to apply for occupational disease certification and receive better compensation, according to an official document released on Monday.

China released its latest catalog on occupational diseases on Monday, marking the first revision in over a decade.

The new version, jointly issued by the National Health Commission and three other government departments, lists 135 diseases in 12 categories, compared to the current version, which includes 132 diseases in 10 categories. The updated catalog is set to take effect on Aug 1, 2025.

Among the newly added illnesses is carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist's carpal tunnel, which can lead to tingling or numbness in hand muscles. While white-collar workers who type or use a mouse for extended periods are prone to developing the condition, the document states that only manufacturing workers engaged in prolonged, repetitive or strenuous wrist-related tasks will qualify for occupational disease certification under this category.

Another addition is post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health condition triggered by extremely stressful or horrifying events. Certification for this condition will be limited to police officers, medical workers, firefighters and other emergency rescue personnel involved in acute emergencies.

"With this adjustment, China's occupational disease categories are now broadly consistent with those of the International Labor Organization and most countries worldwide," the National Health Commission said on Monday.

For decades, pneumoconiosis — a lung-damaging condition caused by prolonged inhalation of dust — has been the most common occupational disease in China. Authorities have dedicated significant efforts to preventing new cases and supporting diagnosed patients.

Meanwhile, public demand for revising the occupational disease catalog has grown in recent years due to changes in work habits and the emergence of new forms of employment.

Wang Jiandong, deputy director of the commission's occupational health department, said in a previous interview that lower back pain, neck pain and varicose veins caused by prolonged standing are classified as work-related illnesses rather than occupational diseases.

China has over 700 million employees, and the adjustment of the occupational disease catalog should align with socioeconomic development, focus on key populations and strive to avoid placing an undue burden on employers, Wang said. He also encouraged employers to conduct regular health checks, improve workplace environments and implement health education campaigns on work-related illnesses.