Osteoarthrosis of the hip is a frequent complaint with multifactorial causal relations. The causes have hitherto not been associated with the work environment. Through a systematic literature search 15 epidemiological studies dealing with the relation between occupation or factors in the work environment and coxarthrosis were found. A critical evaluation finds that farmers and construction workers have an increased risk of contracting coxarthrosis. Work that is strenuous for the hip such as lifting and ladder climbing might also be risk factors. Prevention of heavy work involving the hip is proposed as a consequence of this knowledge. The Danish Workers Compensation Act should also take these findings into consideration.