In the UK, the Industrial Injuries scheme provides money for people who have suffered injury or illness because of their work. Benefits for employment-related disability (self-employment is excluded) have been altered many times since they were introduced in 1948. There is now a mix of benefits, eligibility for which depends on several factors: the date, onset and type of disability are among the most important. ‘Industrial’ includes almost all forms of employment. In addition to accidents, there is a long list of prescribed industrial diseases, ranging from BURSITIS, hearing loss, ASTHMA and viral HEPATITIS to unusual ones such as ORF. Psychological as well as physical disablement may attract benefit, which is calculated on a percentage basis according to the extent of disability. The onus is on the individual to claim, and trade unions and representative organisations can advise on procedures. Injured employees should always report details of an accident to their employer and record it in any accident book promptly: even seemingly minor injuries may subsequently lead to some disability. Relevant information leaflets are available – for example, from local benefit agencies, local-authority advice centres and public libraries.