Damage caused by dust, noise, and chemical toxins is irreversible: employers must provide protective gear, and workers can refuse unsafe tasks

10. Damage caused by dust, noise, and chemical toxins is irreversible: employers must provide protective gear, and workers can refuse unsafe tasks

Cost: No monetary cost. The real challenge is consistently wearing respirators, earplugs, and safety goggles, as well as refusing to perform tasks lacking adequate protection — this may lead coworkers to label you as “too picky.”

In plain terms: Pneumoconiosis, noise-induced hearing loss, and chemical eye burns are all listed as statutory occupational diseases. Once lung tissue or hearing is damaged, there is no treatment capable of restoring it. You have the right to know exactly what hazards exist at your workplace and to demand that your employer supply protective equipment and facilities. You may refuse any job that fails to provide these safeguards. Any attempt by your employer to cut your pay or terminate your contract in retaliation for exercising these rights is legally invalid.

Benefit: As of August 1, 2025, the official list of occupational diseases comprises 12 main categories containing 135 distinct conditions, including four open-ended clauses. Pneumoconiosis ranks first among them, covering silicosis, coal worker’s pneumoconiosis, graphite pneumoconiosis, carbon black pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, talc pneumoconiosis, cement pneumoconiosis, mica pneumoconiosis, potter’s pneumoconiosis, aluminum pneumoconiosis, welder’s pneumoconiosis, and foundry worker’s pneumoconiosis, plus one additional open clause. Noise-induced hearing loss and blast-induced hearing loss fall under occupational ear, nose, throat, and oral diseases; chemical eye burns and photic keratitis are listed under occupational eye diseases. All these injuries are permanent — once damaged, lungs and hearing cannot be repaired. Four fundamental rights are legally guaranteed: first, the right to be informed about all occupational hazards present, their potential consequences, and required protective measures; second, the right to demand provision of compliant protective equipment and improved working conditions; third, the right to report, criticize, or file complaints against any violations of occupational health laws or practices endangering health; fourth, the right to refuse any directive ordering work without proper protective measures. Furthermore, any employer action — such as wage cuts, benefit reductions, or contract termination — taken solely because a worker exercised these lawful rights is legally void nationwide.

Evidence grade: A

Sources: National Health Commission of China (NHC), Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China, State Administration for Disease Control and Prevention, All-China Federation of Trade Unions (2024). Classification and catalog of occupational diseases (implemented from August 1, 2025). <https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202412/content_6992843.htm>; New version of the catalog 12 categories 135 For the caliber of categories, see National Health Commission of China (NHC) (2024). The new version of the catalog adjusts occupational diseases to 12 categories and 135 categories. <https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202412/content_6992838.htm>; Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (2018). Law on the Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases (Article 39). <https://www.beijing.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengcefagui/qtwj/201711/t20171104_779851.html> (Reprinted by Beijing Municipal People’s Government)

Notes: Ensure you use respirators specifically rated for particulate filtration; ordinary gauze masks or disposable surgical masks offer no protection against dust. If your employer does not supply earplugs for noisy environments, purchasing them yourself is advisable, as hearing loss cannot be reversed. The belief that “working just two years to save money is safe” does not apply to pneumoconiosis — silicosis can manifest years after exposure ends and may worsen over time, making off-duty health checks essential (see Rule 9 of this section, which mandates three free occupational health examinations paid for by employers). The updated list also includes two new categories: occupational musculoskeletal disorders, specifically carpal tunnel syndrome affecting manufacturing workers performing repetitive wrist motions; and occupational mental and behavioral disorders, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder affecting police officers, medical personnel, and emergency responders involved in crisis response. Immediate first-aid measures for chemical splashes onto skin are detailed in item 13, clause 21.