Policy
Lung cancer in asbestos workers is accepted as an occupational disease under sections 2(1) and 15 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act as peculiar to and characteristic of a process, trade or occupation involving exposure to asbestos.
Guidelines
Entitlement criteria
Based on medical studies, lung cancer claims are favourably considered when the following circumstances apply
- there is a clear and adequate history of at least 10 years occupational exposure to asbestos, and
- there is a minimum interval of 10 years between first exposure to asbestos and the appearance of lung cancer.
Claims which do not meet these guidelines will be individually judged on their own merit, having regard to the intensity of exposure and other factors peculiar to the individual case.
Application date
This policy applies to all accidents. Benefits are payable from the date of accident, which is the date of diagnosis, or the first date that related symptoms are medically documented, whichever is earlier.
Document History
This document replaces 04-04-16
References
Legislative Authority
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, as amended
Sections 2(1), 15, 119
Minute
Board of Directors
#8(XXVI), June 10, 2004, Page 6620