Demand proper protection from dust, noise and chemicals, and refuse unprotected hazardous work
Pneumoconiosis, noise-induced deafness and chemical eye burns are recognized Chinese occupational diseases. Lung damage and hearing loss can be irreversible. You have rights to hazard information, suitable controls and protective equipment, and to refuse unlawful orders or work without protection. Retaliatory reductions in pay or dismissal for exercising those rights are invalid.
What it takes
Employers must provide protection without charging workers. Consistent respirator, earplug and eye-protection use takes discipline, as does refusing unsafe work despite colleagues' reactions.
What you may gain
From August 1, 2025, China's occupational-disease catalog contains 12 categories and 135 diseases, including 4 open-ended provisions. Pneumoconioses include silicosis; coal-worker, graphite, carbon-black, asbestos, talc, cement, mica, pottery, aluminum, welding and foundry dust diseases; and an open provision. Ear/nose/throat/oral diseases include noise and blast deafness; eye diseases include chemical burns and photokeratitis. The source emphasizes irreversible lung/hearing damage. Statutory rights include learning workplace hazards and consequences, requesting compliant protection and improved conditions, criticizing/reporting unlawful or life-threatening practices, and refusing unlawful commands or forced tasks without occupational protection. Reducing wages or benefits or terminating employment because these lawful rights were exercised is invalid.
Context & considerations
Use a particulate respirator for dust, not ordinary gauze or surgical masks as a substitute. If earplugs are withheld, the source suggests buying an inexpensive pair while pursuing employer compliance; lost hearing cannot be restored. Silicosis can emerge years after exposure ends and continue worsening, so “work two years then leave” does not remove risk. Exit checks matter. Two added catalog categories are occupational musculoskeletal disease, specifically carpal tunnel syndrome for manufacturing workers with prolonged repetitive/forceful wrist use, and occupational mental/behavioral disorders, specifically PTSD for police, medical, fire and other emergency-response personnel involved in emergencies. See chemical-splash first aid.
Research & references
China's National Health Commission, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, National Disease Control and Prevention Administration and All-China Federation of Trade Unions (2024). Occupational Disease Classification and Catalog, effective August 1, 2025. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202412/content_6992843.htm; National Health Commission (2024). New Catalog: 12 Categories and 135 Diseases. https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202412/content_6992838.htm; NPC Standing Committee (2018). Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Law, Article 39. https://www.beijing.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengcefagui/qtwj/201711/t20171104_779851.html