Recognition of COVID-19 with occupational origin: a comparison between European countries.

Objectives This study aims to present an overview
of the formal recognition of COVID-19 as occupational
disease (OD) or injury (OI) across Europe.
Methods A COVID-19 questionnaire was designed
by a task group within COST-funded OMEGA-NET and
sent to occupational health experts of 37 countries
in WHO European region, with a last update in April
2022.
Results The questionnaire was filled out by experts
from 35 countries. There are large differences between
national systems regarding the recognition of OD and
OI: 40% of countries have a list system, 57% a mixed
system and one country an open system. In most
countries, COVID-19 can be recognised as an OD (57%).
In four countries, COVID-19 can be recognised as OI
(11%) and in seven countries as either OD or OI (20%).
In two countries, there is no recognition possible to
date. Thirty-two countries (91%) recognise COVID-19
as OD/OI among healthcare workers. Working in certain
jobs is considered proof of occupational exposure in
25 countries, contact with a colleague with confirmed
infection in 19 countries, and contact with clients with
confirmed infection in 21 countries. In most countries
(57%), a positive PCR test is considered proof of
disease. The three most common compensation benefits
for COVID-19 as OI/OD are disability pension, treatment
and rehabilitation. Long COVID is included in 26
countries.
Conclusions COVID-19 can be recognised as OD or
OI in 94% of the European countries completing this
survey, across different social security and embedded
occupational health systems.