By Rafael Mello and Israel Cruz

The Ministry of Health published this Wednesday (11/29/2023) an ordinance that included 165 new pathologies in the list of work-related diseases, as published in the “Diário Oficial da União”. With this inclusion, the number of recognized diagnostic codes increases from 182 to 347.

This update reflects a growing awareness of the range of conditions that can be influenced by the work environment. Notably, burnout syndrome is one of the illnesses included, highlighted by the Ministry as resulting from psychosocial factors, organizational management, task content and corporate environment conditions.

In addition, there has been a significant expansion in the category of work-related mental disorders. Disorders such as anxiety, depression and suicide attempts, previously not clearly linked to the work environment, are now recognized as possible consequences of occupational stress. This change is particularly notable compared to the 1999 list, which linked depressive episodes primarily to contact with toxic substances.

Another important point is the inclusion of Covid-19, which is now recognized as an occupational disease when there is evidence of contamination in the work environment.

This update comes into effect 30 days after the publication of the ordinance. The impact of this change is substantial, considering that, between 2007 and 2022, the Unified Health System (SUS) treated almost 3 million cases of occupational diseases.

It is essential that healthcare professionals, employers and workers are aware of these changes.