Objective To identify the main determinants of occupational diseases at both the individual and the population level.

Methods This study used data from the Dutch National Working Conditions Survey (NWCS 2014; occupational disease confirmed by a doctor, self-reported, employees).

Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the independent association at the individual level (OR) between each determinant and the presence of at least one occupational disease. Additionally, the Population Attributable Risk (PAR) was calculated for each determinant in order to assess the risk at the population level as well.

Results The top three determinants that may be influenced and also contributed most to musculoskeletal occupational diseases, were the same at the individual and the population level: ‘Repetitive movements‘ (PAR=40.0%; OR=2.25), ‘Working in uncomfortable positions/bad posture‘ (PAR=17.7%; OR=1.62), and ‘High job demands‘ (PAR=17.6%; OR=1.57).

Determinants that contributed most to psychological occupational diseases were also the same on the individual and population level: ‘Low engagement‘ (PAR=33.6%; OR=2.27), ‘Conflict with supervisor‘ (PAR=16.7%; OR=1.51), and ‘High emotional demands‘ (PAR=14.4%; OR=2.85).

Conclusion These determinants may be influenced through education, measures and/or policies at the workplace or on higher levels, in order to decrease the prevalence of occupational diseases in the working population.