Policy
Laryngeal cancer in workers exposed to asbestos fibres in industrial processes which generate airborne asbestos is an occupational disease under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (the Act).
Guidelines
Claims from workers diagnosed with cancer of the larynx (ISCD9 161 or ISCD10 C32)* who have been employed in an industrial process which generates airborne asbestos are considered under this policy. The following provide persuasive evidence that a worker's laryngeal cancer is work-related
- the worker has been employed in an industrial process which generates airborne asbestos at least 15 years before the diagnosis of the disease, and
- the worker has worked for at least ten years in an environment which has been documented to have generated asbestos in respirable form, or
- the worker has been diagnosed with asbestosis in accordance with 16-02-05, Asbestosis.
*International Statistical Classification of Diseases (Ninth and Tenth Revisions).
In considering the individual merits of each case, a claimant's cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption habits before the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer should be considered.
Application date
This policy applies to all claims with an accident date (the date of diagnosis) on or after 1947.
Document History
This document replaces 16-02-03.
References
Legislative Authority
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, as amended
Sections 15(1) - (2)
Minute
Board of Directors
#8(XXXIII), June 10, 2004, Page 6621