Which of the following could be considered a work-related illness?

Back pain from lifting objects at work is considered a work-related illness because it directly results from an employee's duties and tasks associated with their job. This type of injury is classified under the category of occupational injuries, which are specifically linked to the work environment and the activities an employee engages in during their employment.

Employers are responsible for the health and safety of their employees while at work, and when an injury or illness arises from the performance of work-related tasks—such as improper lifting techniques or repetitive movements—it strengthens the claim for workers' compensation.

In contrast, a flu contracted at a local café or a cold developed during winter are typically not considered work-related, as they can arise from circumstances outside the workplace. Similarly, headaches resulting from lack of sleep are generally viewed as personal health issues that do not have a direct relationship with work activities. Hence, these choices do not qualify as work-related illnesses in the context of workers' compensation.