The aim of this study is to analyse the effects of diagnosed occupational diseases on the employment status of the respondents and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing measures of tertiary prevention of occupational diseases, i.e. measures taken by workers with fully developed health disorders, with emphasis on measures to maintain the work ability of the affected workers. All patients (N=147) who were diagnosed with occupational disease in the period from 2005 to 2014 in the outpatient clinic for occupational medicine of the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health were singled out for the study. The survey finally included 95 respondents who signed informed consent. The survey included an overview of archived data and a telephone survey that compiled data on the employment status of patients after diagnosing occupational disease. Results have shown that carpal tunnel syndrome was the most common occupational disease, and the most common workplace where it occurs, besides the position of textile workers and tailors, is officework that includes work with computer. Employment status after the recognition of occupational diseases has changed in 59 (62%) respondents. After the recognition of occupational disease 36 (38%) respondents remained employed, 12 (13%) were unemployed, and 47 (49%) were retired. Twentyeight (78%) employed respondents remained working for the same employer, and 7 of them have changed their workplace. Eight (22%) respondents found job with another employer, and 4 of them were retrained. The causes of unemployment were getting people fired (10, i.e. 83% of respondents), and closing down the business (2, i.e.17% of respondents). Professional rehabilitation procedures included 5 (5%) respondents. The highest number of retired respondents went to a disability pension (35, i.e.74%). The share of unemployed respondents after diagnosing occupational diseases was significantly higher in the period 2010-2014, compared to period 2005-2009 (21% vs. 6%, p = 0.033; Fisher exact test). The results point out the inadequate care for workers with occupational diseases in Croatia, with the trend of more frequent dismissal of workers with diagnosed occupational disease in Croatia in the period from 2000 to present, without the management of diseased workers by employers and competent institutions through professional rehabilitation procedures. Therefore, it is necessary to strengt the measures of prevention of occupational diseases in Croatia in order to keep the working ability of a healthy working conditions as long as possible.