Definition

Noun A risk or danger that is inherently and specifically associated with a particular job, profession, or workplace, and which may result in illness, injury, or other adverse health effects.

Usage

The term "occupational hazard" is used to describe a danger that is a recognized and typical part of a specific line of work. It implies a risk that workers in that field accept or must guard against as a condition of their employment.

Examples

• Hearing loss is a well-known occupational hazard for construction workers and musicians.
• Back strain is considered an occupational hazard in nursing.
• Exposure to certain chemicals is an occupational hazard in laboratory work.
• The possibility of contracting an infectious disease is a serious occupational hazard for healthcare professionals.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is sometimes used metaphorically in informal contexts to describe a common, negative consequence of any regular activity.
  • For a teacher, a sore throat from talking all day is just an occupational hazard.
• It can be used in legal and insurance contexts to determine liability and compensation for work-related illnesses or injuries.

Variants and Related Words

• Hazard (noun): A source of danger.
• Occupational disease (noun): A chronic illness or condition contracted as a direct result of one's work, often developing over a long period (e.g., black lung disease in miners).
• Workplace hazard (noun): A more general term for any danger present in a work environment.

Synonyms

• Job risk
• Professional risk
• Work-related danger
• Employment hazard

Idioms and Common Phrases

• To be an occupational hazard: To be an unavoidable risk of a particular job.
  • Stress is just an occupational hazard of being a stock trader.

Noun

1. any condition of a job that can result in illness or injury