Ramazzini's study of the diseases of workers, De morbis artificium diatriba, was the first comprehensive and systematic treatise on occupational medicine; it was also the foundation work in ergonomics. It deals with pneumoconiosis and other diseases of miners, with lead poisoning in potters, with silicosis in stonemasons, diseases among metal workers, and even a chapter devoted to the “diseases of learned men", a chapter on diseases of printers, and of athletes. Ramazzini also discussed the occupational diseases of women, recommending that midwives practice cleanliness and take precautions against syphilitic infections. Ramazzini recognized that a number of workers’ diseases were caused by the taxing postures and repetitive motions required by professions such as shoemaking, tailoring and writing; he is thus considered a founder of ergonomics. He suggested ways to prevent these ailments.

Ramazzini's book was translated into English as A Treatise on the Diseases of Tradesmen (London, 1705). In 1713 Ramazzini expanded his text. This revised edition was reprinted with a parallel English translation by Wilmer Cave Wright and published as De Morbis Artificum Bernardini Ramazzini Diseases of Workers (1940). Through various Latin editions and translations into Italian, German, French and Dutch Ramazzini's book was also influential in the history of economics. The first French translation by the noted chemist, Fourcroy, Paris, 1777 contained significant additions. Digital facsimile of the 1703 second edition from the Internet Archive at this link.