What Does
Hypertension Mean?
Hypertension is a common disease that involves an increased blood pressure against the walls of blood vessels. Individuals with hypertension have an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, vision problems, and renal (kidney) failure.
It is also called high blood pressure.
Safeopedia Explains Hypertension
The major work-related contributor to hypertension is continuous, high levels of stress; however, there are multiple other workplace factors that can also increase an individual’s risk of developing the condition. Physically demanding or fatiguing work, shift work, cold work environments, and exposure to certain toxic substances (such as lead) all increase a worker’s risk for hypertension. As such, increased risk of developing hypertension is an unavoidable hazard of certain professions, such as long-haul truck driving.
Many jurisdictions recognize employers as being legally liable for injuries or health conditions, including hypertension, that are caused by factors such as sustained workplace stress. Additionally, hypertension and hypertension-related incidents that occur due to workplace factors such as stress are considered by OSHA to be recordable illnesses.