There are various illnesses employees in Australia can develop through exposure to hazardous materials in the workplace. Mesothelioma and asbestosis, for example, are two serious lung diseases that result from breathing in asbestos.
While there is no substitute for the good health of you or your loved ones, there are benefits available from the Workers’ Compensation Dust Diseases Board.
This article will outline the main functions and responsibilities of the Dust Diseases Board, as well as the illnesses that are covered by compensation.
What does the Dust Diseases Board do?
The primary role of the board is to offer compensation for people who have been diagnosed with a dust disease. Unfortunately, the time between the original diagnosis and the individual’s death can be extremely short for a number of these illnesses.
As such, the board is designed to expedite compensation rulings to ensure sufferers can benefit from the money before they die. Ongoing assistance in the form of medication, mobility aids, care and treatment is also available.
What diseases can I claim for?
According to the Dust Diseases Board website, 95 per cent of the conditions for which people are eligible to claim are asbestos-related. However, other substances that could lead to a serious illness if inhaled include silica, hard metals, cotton, hay, straw and grain.
The risk occurs from breathing in the dust created when these materials are ground, drilled, cut or sanded. There is also a chance of disturbing hazardous particles when performing house renovations or earth works.
Currently, people who suffer these diseases are entitled to pursue a claim through the board:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestos-related pleural disease
- Asbestosis
- Asbestos-induced carcinoma
- Bagassosis
- Byssinosis
- Hard Metal Pneumoconiosis
- Silicosis
- Silico-tuberculosis
- Aluminosis
- Farmers’ Lung
- Berylliosis
How do I make a claim?
If you believe you or a family member is entitled to compensation from the Dust Diseases Board, it’s important to contact an expert compensation lawyer in NSW without delay.
Making a claim can be complex, as there are different processes in place depending on whether the person with the disease is applying or a loved one is doing so on their behalf.
An experienced lawyer can talk you through your eligibility, assess your claim and help you at every step of the compensation process. Please contact Gerard Malouf & Partners today for more information and a free consultation.
