The incidence of disability pension varies considerably from occupation to occupation. General workers are the occupational group where disability pension is most frequently recognized. In this investigation, the significance of the working conditions for awarding disability pension is illustrated by means of a case-control design. The case group consisted of 581 unskilled workers who received the middle or highest disability pension. The control group consisted of 1,550 age-matched unskilled workers. Disability pensioners had commenced work at a young age significantly more frequently. They had been exposed to physically strenuous work, too rapid a tempo and a long series of unpleasant working conditions. In addition, disability pensioners had frequently experienced periods of unemployment. No differences were observed as regards piece work, shift work or the number of places of employment. The stressing working conditions which occurred more frequently among disability pensioners are all accessible for preventative measures.