Occupational diseases are illnesses caused by substances or conditions that the employee was exposed to at the workplace. Schedule 3 of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act sets out the working conditions and diseases caused by these conditions that are covered by the Compensation Fund. An employee can claim compensation if exposed to these working conditions and then getting the related disease.

If a disease is not listed then employees can claim compensation only if they can prove that the disease was caused by conditions at work and not by some other factor. Medical evidence and reports will have to be submitted to the Commissioner. It may also take some time for a disease to become obvious and in such cases employees can claim compensation if they are no longer at a workplace so long as it falls within the time limits for lodging claims.
(See: Problem 20: Employees develop an occupational disease)

The Commissioner will approve or reject the claim. Only if the Commissioner approves the claim, will you get compensation (for temporary or permanent disability) and your medical expenses will be paid. If the disease gets worse after a period of time, you can apply to have your compensation increased.