Silent struggle: Spinal and lung diseases plague Kazakhstan’s workers

Spinal and respiratory conditions are the most common occupational diseases in Kazakhstan, along with vibration syndrome and hearing loss.

According to the Ministry of Labor, there are more than 740,000 people with disabilities in Kazakhstan. About 15,000 of them became disabled as a result of occupational diseases or workplace injuries.

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Notably, the nature of work is evolving, with sedentary jobs becoming more common, digital communication expanding and workplace stress increasing. In this environment, prevention efforts must become more targeted, data-driven and continuous.

First Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions Mukhtar Tinikeyev said the organization represents about 1.7 million workers. He called for a revision of occupational health and safety regulations.

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Among the proposals, trade unions are advocating the removal of the concept of «degree of worker culpability» from legislation, as well as a reduction in the retirement age for workers in hazardous industries.

Tinikeyev also said official statistics on occupational diseases may not fully reflect the actual situation. He stressed the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation programs for workers who have lost their ability to work.