Romanian Journal of Occupational Medicine Feed

How can artificial intelligence be used within occupational medicine to identify early worker needs and improve workplace accommodation? A narrative review

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is now present in many areas of healthcare, but its role in occupational medicine is still unclear. The available literature comes from different fields that are only partly connected and is rarely viewed from an occupational-health perspective. This makes it hard to judge how such technologies could support prevention, follow-up, or workplace adjustments.Aim: This paper explores how AI has been used or proposed to help identify early changes in workers’ health needs and to guide the planning of workplace accommodations for those with chronic illnesses, with particular attention to evidence most relevant to occupational medicine.Methods: A narrative review was conducted using predefined questions and eligibility criteria, and the material was organised thematically. Searches in major databases and several professional sources identified studies on AI in workplace health, monitoring of chronic conditions, return-to-work models, and accommodation planning. The selected publications were analysed along four themes: early identification of needs, workplace accommodation, potential contributions to occupational medicine, and the methodological and ethical limits that influence current developments.Results: The studies describe various AI tools, including real-time monitoring systems, predictive models, wearables, decision-support applications, and digital platforms for self-management. These have been used to detect changes in functional capacity and to support more tailored workplace adjustments. Reported benefits include improved surveillance, more consistent diagnostic support, and some organisational advantages. However, evidence remains limited. Few tools have been tested in routine workplace conditions, and concerns about data quality, bias, privacy, confidentiality, and opaque algorithms persist.Conclusions: AI is being explored as a complementary support for early needs detection and workplace accommodation, but current evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions about practical impact. Progress requires stronger validation, clearer algorithms, reliable ethical safeguards, and continued interdisciplinary collaboration.

Meal time, working in shifts and body mass index – a pilot study

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction: Meal time influences the body mass index and night shift can have an impact on the nutrition habits. In this study, we have compared the meal timing of night shift with daily workers and the relation with the body mass index (BMI).Material and Methods: A convinience sample was recruted via internet. The participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire including demographics, meal habits and physical activity.Results: There were 38 participants working in night shifts (NSW) and 179 controls. The NSW had higher BMI (p=0.06), with higher percentages of overweight and obesity, significantly higher level of occupational activity (chi2=26.41, p=0.00003) and a significant change (earlier breakfast) in the non working days compared to the working days. In the multivariate regression model, with independent variables (age, time of first meal, time of last meal of the day, occupational physicial acivity and working night shifts) and BMI as outcome, the only significant relation was age (p=0.001). The relation between BMI and having meal after 21h. became marginally significant.Conclusion: Having late meals and posible irregular ones could be related to the increase in BMI in in NSW.

Acceptability of screening for hepatitis C virus in healthcare workers

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) face occupational exposure to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Screening acceptability is essential to implement new strategies.Aim: To assess HCV screening acceptability and associated factors among HCWs in a Romanian multidisciplinary hospital.Methods: Cross-sectional study within the “Cancer Prevention at Work” project (2024–2025). Out of 1,189 invited HCWs, 910 (76.5%) participated; 712 accepted blood testing (Group A), 198 completed questionnaires (Group B), and 279 refused entirely (Group C). Anti-HCV antibodies were detected using a combined ELISA and chemiluminescence test; positives underwent real-time RT-PCR test. Chi-square and Fisher tests analysed associations (p<0.05).Results: Women were significantly more likely to accept testing than men (p=0.021). Younger age groups participated more (p<0.001); participants ≥61 years refused most often. Stretcher bearers had the lowest acceptance; administrative staff the highest (p=0.022 for Group A vs B). Lower education correlated with refusal (p=0.044). Smokers accepted testing more than non-smokers (p=0.043). No significant associations with residence, comorbidities, or HBV vaccination. Of 712 tested, 10 (1.4%) were anti-HCV antibody positive; 1 (0.14%) had PCR positive with active infection.Conclusion: HCV screening acceptability was high (76.5%) but varied by sex, age, profession, education, and smoking status. Targeted interventions for older, lower-educated, and high-exposure groups (e.g., stretcher bearers) are needed to support occupational HCV elimination.

Is there a benefit in the follow-up of medical emergencies in the occupational medicine on-site office?

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Background: Medical emergencies (ME) occur frequently in the Occupational Medicine (OM) office and sometimes require immediate treatment, disrupting the flow of current activities. The objective of this prospective observational study is to document the evolution of patients previously presented with ME, the factors that influence it, the impact of initial major ME and recurrent ones, towards optimizing individualized medical management.Materials and methods: Subjects presented between January and June 2023 with ME in the on-site office of a pharmaceutical company, 137 patients, were followed up for 1 year, resulting 2 groups(G): those who returned with ME(G1 – 53 patients, 38.7%) and G2 – the rest of the patients, who did not return (84 employees,61.3%). ME that required ambulance/treatment (etiological/symptomatic) were noted, along with the disease categories corresponding to the reason for presentation, work ability, professional exposures, vital status.Results: During the follow-up period of the 137 included subjects (mean age 41 years, female predominance-66.4%), 53 (38.7%) returned to the office, a mean of 1.8 returns/patient. In G1, digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, infectious and psychological MEs were frequent. The majority received symptomatic treatment(67%), and 20%-etiological. Current work ability is influenced by the history of conditional work ability (p=0.049,RR=2.1) and initial major ME (p=0.04,RR=1.8). Initial major UMs were associated with both the need for intervention upon return (p=0.041), and the number of interventions required (p ≈ 0.0003).Conclusions: Employees with ME frequently return to the OM office (approximately 40%). Most ME require medical intervention, significantly influencing the occurrence of subsequent ME and work ability. Most recurrent MEs were digestive and cardiovascular in nature, without highlighting a causal relationship with OE. A percentage of 37.7% of patients returned with the same category of conditions, which suggests that monitoring the evolution could contribute to the identification of undiagnosed or insufficiently controlled diseases.

Occupational Stress and Burnout Syndrome in a Group of Resident Physicians

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction: The burnout syndrome is a state of physical, psychological and emotional exhaustion resulting from the accumulation of chronic work-related stress that has not been successfully managed. Healthcare professionals are among the groups most susceptible to developing this condition.Materials and Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to medical residents in Romania. It included items assessing sources of stress encountered in medical practice, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) as well as lifestyle-related questions.Results: The study sample consisted of 84 medical residents from 29 different specializations. The mean PSS-14 score was 28.56 ± 9.63, with 51% of participants presenting high or very high levels of perceived stress. Overall, 43% exhibited medium or high levels of burnout (total score), and the CBI subscales indicated a significant risk of personal burnout in 65%, work-related burnout in 52% and patient-related burnout in 35% of respondents. The most frequently identified stressors were: (1) excessive time required for completing medical documentation; (2) the inability to provide optimal patient care due to various limitations; and (3) frequent interruptions of work tasks.Conclusions: Given that nearly half of the responding residents exhibit high or severe stress and burnout scores, this stage of medical training can be considered highly demanding. Stressors need to be clearly identified in order to implement organizational changes aimed at mitigating their impact.

Solitary lung nodule with possible occupational origin in a patient admitted for musculoskeletal complaints - case presentation and review of literature concerning exposure in rubber industry

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This case report illustrates the critical necessity of detailed occupational history no matter the chief symptom for the hospital admittance. If any exposure to carcinogens has been noticed, the target organ of the identified hazard(s) should be screened for cancer.We present a case of a 51-year-old male admitted for musculoskeletal complaints in which the occupational history revealed exposure to carcinogens and the chest X-ray showed a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). The patient, a current smoker with a 22.5 pack-year index, had a significant past occupational exposure, having worked in a rubber manufacturing company as a vulcanizer/wringer for approximately ten years (1991–2002). Given the patient’s smoking history and exposure to chemical carcinogens in the rubber industry – classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by IARC – lung cancer screening was initiated. A chest X-ray and subsequent CT scan confirmed an 11mm solitary nodule in the left upper lobe. Based on standard clinical risk models, the nodule’s malignancy probability was estimated between 7.42% and 13.5%, classifying the case as intermediate risk (Lung-RADS Category 4B). Further diagnostic efforts, including bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage, yielded only a benign cytology with an acute nonspecific inflammatory appearance. Given the intermediate risk profile and occupational background, the patient will be followed according to the Fleischner Society 2017 guidelines, starting with a repeated CT scan in 3 months.The case underscores that an occupational etiology for lung cancer is highly probable, even in a smoking patient, and emphasizes that occupational factors must be considered significant in etiology, even long after exposure has ceased.

Non-Occupational Dermatological Diseases with Significant Professional Impact: Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa as a Case-Based Illustration

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Dermatological diseases should not be omitted as cause of functional impairment or reduced work capacity, even when they are not formally classified as occupational. Chronic inflammatory dermatoses may interfere substantially with professional activity through pain, mobility limitation, recurrent exacerbations, and psychosocial burden. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a paradigmatic example of a non-occupational skin disease with major implications for work ability and employment stability.This article aims to highlight the occupational impact of severe HS through a detailed clinical case and to discuss workplace-related aggravating factors and management strategies relevant to occupational medicine. We present the case of a 46-year-old male with severe HS (Hurley stage III), integrating clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and occupational health assessments. Disease severity and burden were evaluated using the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Despite multiple systemic treatments, disease control remained incomplete, with recurrent inflammatory flares requiring hospitalization.Several occupational factors, including mechanical friction, heat, sweating, chemical exposure, and tobacco smoke, were identified as contributors to disease exacerbation. The condition resulted in marked work disability, characterized by reduced work ability, absenteeism, presenteeism, and fear of job loss. This case underscores the importance of recognizing the professional impact of non-occupational dermatological diseases and supports the integration of occupational health strategies into the multidisciplinary management of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Recurrent Trichophyton tonsurans Tinea in a Surgical Resident and Possible Links to the Workplace Conditions

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction. Dermatophyte infections (tinea) caused by the anthropophilic fungus Trichophyton tonsurans are highly prevalent diseases transmitted primarily person-to-person or via contaminated objects.Objectives: To report a case of recurrent tinea corporis and tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton tonsurans in a surgical resident, to evaluate the potential link with the occupational hazards and to highlight the predisposing factors.Case report. A 30-year-old Italian male surgical resident in France with a history of Celiac Disease and Hypothyroidism presented a Trichophyton tonsurans recurrent infection five months after the initial remission. Meantime, an infection with the same pathogen occurred to another surgeon, working in the same team. This relapse prompted an Occupational Medicine investigation to evaluate a potential work-related dermatosis specifically linked to the prolonged use of protective equipment (masks, gloves, surgical attire) and localized humidity.Conclusions. This case highlights the challenge of managing recurrent dermatophytosis, possibly favoured by subtle systemic factors such as comorbidities with autoimmune mechanism. The rapid relapse suggests that the occupational environment may either contribute to fungal persistence or represent a source of re-contamination. The presence of the same dermatological infection in another member of the team supports the need for consideration of dermatophytosis caused by T. tonsurans as a potential occupational disease in surgery personnel and highlights the gaps in existing regulatory tables.

Food intake and profession – principles of healthy food

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Healthy nutrition is essential for maintaining workers' health and enhancing work productivity. This paper explores the principles of a healthy nutrition, emphasizing the relationship between dietary requirements and occupational demands.The daily energy requirement depends on the intensity of the physical activity, being double for forestry workers compared to office workers. The consumed energy during a professional activity can be estimated through metabolic equivalents (METs).The protein intake maintains muscle mass and protects against certain occupational toxins. Ensuring the optimal energy support requires the avoidance of carbohydrates with a high glycemic index (which disrupt glycemic balance and decrease work capacity) and introduction of slow-absorbing carbohydrates. Lipids provide a concentrated caloric support, particularly useful for intense physical labour (miners, farmers).Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) support musculoskeletal integrity, cognitive function, and immune resilience, especially in occupations involving physical or neuropsychological stress. Proper hydration is equally crucial for maintaining physical and cognitive capacities, with water requirements depending on the caloric expenditure and environmental conditions.This paper provides a new perspective regarding the dual relationship between nutrition and work: occupational demands influence dietary needs, while dietary quality impacts work capacity and health. Knowing and applying the basic principles of healthy eating according to the professional activity and exposure is essential for maximizing workplace performance and employee well-being.

Ways to improve the medical surveillance in shift workers

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Metabolic syndrome is a common condition among shift workers (but not exclusively), as this type of work produces changes in the circadian rhythm associated with changes in glucose and lipid metabolism and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.During the employment or periodic examinations, the occupational medicine doctor performs certain tests such as electrocardiogram, blood pressure measurement, orders blood tests (glycemia, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamine transpeptidase (GGT), creatinine, depending on the type of exposure of the worker. Their changes can translate into restrictions of some activities, the need to re-organize work and, in extreme cases, the unfitness for the respective job.That is why it is necessary to find effective methods for the early identification of the risk of developing metabolic syndrome among workers regardless of the type of work or schedule they perform, before the onset of a chronic disease that can lead to an impaired quality of life and/or a reduction of work capacity. This article reviews the definition of metabolic syndrome, the current recommendations introduced in international guidelines and some of the screening methods which may be useful for the the medical surveillance of workers at risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Hair dye: an occupational risk factor for bladder cancer among beauty industry workers

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction A new area of research has highlighted a possible link between the use of hair dyes and an increased risk of bladder cancer in people working in the beauty industry.Materials and methods The present study is a systematic review, the data being collected from PubMed database and selected according to predetermined eligibility criteria.Results and discussion The results show that in the period prior to 1980 the incidence of bladder cancer was increased in male barbers, while after 1980 the risk was higher in female hairdressers.Conclusion At this moment, the research seems to reveal that hair dyes represent a possible occupational risk factor for bladder cancer, but further research is needed in order to confirm this conclusion.

Occupational carpal tunnel syndrome: clinical insights from a case report

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has emerged as a growing health concern among workers involved in occupations requiring repetitive and precision-based activities. Within the framework of the modern industrial economy, many professions encompass these characteristics, contributing to a notable prevalence of CTS across various occupational sectors. The impact of CTS extends beyond reduced workplace productivity, significantly impairing the quality of life of affected individuals and imposing economic challenges on both employees and employers.This study presents the case of a 43-year-old female textile assembler, highlighting the risk factors contributing to the onset of the condition, the individualized therapeutic interventions employed, and the long-term progression of the disease. The analysis further investigates effective occupational management strategies aimed at minimizing the burden of CTS. Postoperative management revealed several complications, leading to work-related disability with substantial economic and social ramifications for both the employee and the employer. This case emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive strategies to address the occupational risks and consequences associated with CTS.

Occupational domains and age at onset of lung cancer diagnosis

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction Occupational cancer is a major public health issue and continuous efforts are developed all around the world to find better solutions to decrease this prevalence. This is important in particular for the persons diagnosed earlier, as they might have different prognosis and health-related quality of life.Objectives The main objective of the study is to present the prevalence of the early diagnosed lung cancer in different activity domains and possible factors associated to a younger age recognition.Methods This is a secondary analysis of data collected during the ROMCAN project (reference/acknowledgements). From the whole data-base we have received only anonymized data concerning lung cancer. Age, gender, level of education, occupational domain, smoking, personal medical history, family history of cancer was included in the analysis. Based on the distribution of age in the whole sample, we considered the early diagnosis any diagnosis before 56 years of old; the others were considered the control group. Among the demographic factors only education seems to be of influence (χ2=31.24, p< 0.001). Family history was more prevalent in the earlier diagnosed group (OR=1.4, p=0.009). In terms of occupational domains, the highest prevalence at younger age was in the leather industry (57.14%), trade services (42.22%), extractive industry (34.62%) wood and furniture (34.48%) domains.Conclusions Occupational exposure to carcinogens contributes to the early development of lung cancer but other elements (smoking, socio-economic level, comorbidities), have also a significant role. Based on these results, awareness related to lung cancer in extractive, leather, wood manufactures and trade should be re-in forced.

Study on plantar pressure in overground gait rehabilitation system that may facilitate return to work

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Background This study is focused on the investigation of advanced technology with potential involvement in the process of rehabilitation of working–age patients with orthopedic and neurologic disabilities. The main advantages of the use of advanced technology are related to decrease in recovery time and increase in return-to-work rate. This study addresses the biomechanics of walking and compares different gait sessions with RELIVE system. The purpose is to highlight the effect on the plantar pressure changes the system has during these sessions.Methods The study was realized on 15 healthy, disability-free subjects tested in 6 walking sessions. All the selected sessions were characterized by one particular characteristic, walking with hands on the handrail, and each participant had to perform three walks during each session. The F-Scan device from Tekscan (research software version), attached to the participants’ belt was used to record the plantar pressure for each of the 18 walks.Results When walking with hands on the handrail, with 20% body weight offload, the average pressure values were lower with the alternator turned on compared to the seasons with the alternator turned off. Additionally, the body weight offloading of the participants determined by the body weight support subsystem resulted in decreased average pressure values with each percentage of unloaded body weight.Conclusion The unloading of the participants' weight was obtained by the body weight support subsystem. In all gait sessions studied, a drawback is represented by the interferences between the alternator and the body weight support subsystem. Therefore, is mandatory to find a solution for the interference between these two systems to assure a better gait training. Thus, a good alternative for conventional rehabilitation of working-age patients could be RELIVE system.

Multiple occupational hazards, multiple occupational diseases - a study case

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Industrial workers frequently have exposure to multiple hazards. Depending on the specific activity the intensity, duration and type of exposure may differ during the entire professional life, even in the same working place. These workers are at risk of developing several work-related disorders or even multiple occupational diseases. This study presents a case of a welder who performed heavy work (lifting and handling masselottes and metal casts) and was exposed to gases, fumes and vapors. He was diagnosed 8 years before with occupational lumbar discopathy and occupational pulmonary fibrosis (welders’ lung) based on symptoms and X-ray examination. He continued to work in the same workplace. At the current admission the respiratory symptoms (dyspnea on low exertion, wheezing, cough with seromucous sputum) were more severe and a large opacity of 5.3/4.3 cm slightly heterogeneous structure, with spiculated, iodophilic contour in lateral area of the subpleural segment of the upper right pulmonary lobe was found on the CT scan. This opacity was interpreted as probable lung cancer and the patient was sent for surgery.The case illustrates the multiple health consequences of the working activities and the necessity to evaluate in a proper manner all possible hazards present in a certain working place.

Perfluoroalkylated substances – an endocrine disruptor with reprotoxic effects

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

This Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants. They are subject to restriction to specific production and uses according to the Stockholm Convention 2009, implemented also by the Romanian Government in 2012. The main concerns related to PFAS are the effects on the reproductive system, affecting fertility and the development of the fetus. PFAS can pass through the placenta and in the breast milk and can affect the development of the newborns. Therefore, the possible occupational exposures need to be assessed for couples who want to become parents and before the decision to return to work of a breastfeeding mother is taken. It is also important to identify this exposure, as PFAS and they have other negative effects on health, such as the carcinogenic and the endocrine disrupting ones.This article reviews the main sources of exposure to PFAS, the means of regulating their use in the European Union and the effects on the reproductive system in people exposed to PFAS. It also describes the occupations in which this exposure exists and the studies on the effects of this exposure in workers.

Patterns in medical surveillance of workers exposed to lung carcinogens

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

One of the most common causes of lung cancer is exposure to occupational carcinogens. Free silica, diesel exhaust fumes, dyes, radon and with asbestos at the top of the list, differ by percentage according to the predominant professional activities in each country. The occupational health doctor is directly involved in the surveillance of the exposed worker, during work or post exposure, in the diagnosis and reporting of occupational cancers. Efficient screening followed by reporting and monitoring cases of occupational lung cancer and, last but not least, reintegration into professional activity are important steps in the medical surveillance of the worker exposed to occupational lung carcinogens. Standardised information collected at the level of occupational exposure monitoring systems, separated by carcinogen category and profession, may form the basis of control and prevention plans. Harmonising medical surveillance at European and global level can lead to a decrease in the incidence and mortality of work-related lung cancer.

The obstructive phenotype of chronic posttuberculosis disease - is there a role for the occupational exposure?

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Tuberculosis (TB) disease is treatable, but the postTB lung disease in previously treated patients is a reality which must not be ignored. A case report of a 52-year-old male patient, heavy smoker (50 pack-years), alcoholic, with occupational exposure to chemical hazards (such as gaz oil vapors, distillate fuels and industrial solvents), physical hazards (thermal extremes, noise, vibration, UV radiation), ergonomic hazards (manual handling activities); and psychosocial hazards (e.g. overload, isoloation from family and friends), was delayed diagnosed with severe extensive cavitary pulmonary TB disease in 1999, treated till 2001. The assessment of lung function was neglected before or after antiTB therapy ended, so COPD was ignored till 2009, when the patient was admitted in a Pneumology Hospital. Other long term postTB disorders, as left fibrothorax, bronchiectasis, cavitary open healling syndrome, were also identified. Chronic postTB lung disease (PTLD), centered on COPD, had unfavorable progressive evolution till September 2022, when premature death occured. In conclusion, the obstructive phenotype of PTLD was delayed diagnosed and had multiple risk factors as tobacco smoking, occupational exposure and severe TB disease itself. A protocol for monitoring obstructive lung disorders among workers in oil industry, especially those diagnosed with TB disease, should be properly adapted through a collaborative approach between the occupational and the chest physician.

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis: a case report

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Allergic contact dermatitis is an inflammatory cutaneous reaction which occurs after immunological sensitization to the contact substance and clinically manifests with pruritic, erythematous, indurated, scaly plaques or cutaneous xerosis, thickening and scaling in case of chronic exposure. It is a T-cell mediated type IV reaction (delayed hypersensitivity response) and there have been discovered over 4000 contact allergens. As 30 percent of all occupational diseases involve cutaneous manifestations, irritant and contact dermatitis making up over 90 percent of instances of occupational skin diseases, the occupational doctor plays a key role in diagnosis and management of such patients. Prevention is the key in the treatment of this condition, thus recognizing the workplace risk factors, reducing antigen sources and providing appropriate protective equipment should be of utmost importance. Next, we present the case of a 48-year-old woman, who works as a technician in an aluminum manufacturing plant and who developed pruritic eczematous lesions located on the upper limbs, in order to review the risk factors and consequences of work-environmental exposure to allergens.

A cross-national perspective on silicosis: incidence, occupational settings, and trends

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Background: Historically, silicosis is a disease of miners, but the last decade witnessed outbreaks in occupational settings not traditionally associated with silica exposure. Evidence from other countries may ground awareness and control of re-emergent risks.Methods: Incident cases of occupational diseases, ranking and trends were analysed within 2012-2016, respectively within 2007-2016 for silicosis using a cross-national comparative study. Labor force profile and occupation were additional data used to identify similarities and differences between Romania and Israel. The incidence rates for silicosis extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 were compared to national, continental, and global level.Results: Between the two countries, the ratio was 1:1.5 for musculoscheletal disorders, 1:3 for respiratory diseases, 1:4 for noise-induced hearing loss, and 1:10 for silicosis. Regarding silicosis, three major diffences were found, namely: the burden of disease, the trend of incidence (ascending in Israel; descending in Romania), and the occupational setting (coal miner in Romania; artificial stone worker in Israel). Globally, Romania was among countries with high incidence of silicosis in 2017.Conclusion: Silicosis was a national issue of concern at the time, but vigilance should continue, given the severity of this disease and the occurrence of other silica-related diseases.