Occupational diseases, conditions that develop over time due to the nature of your work, are covered by South Carolina workers’ compensation, though these claims can be more complex than sudden-injury claims. Common occupational diseases include hearing loss from workplace noise, respiratory conditions from chemical or dust exposure, repetitive strain injuries, and skin conditions from exposure to workplace substances. The key is showing that the disease is “due to the nature of the employment” and not an ordinary disease of life to which the general public is equally exposed. The deadline for filing generally begins when you knew or should have known that the condition was work-related.