Policy
Gastro-intestinal 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
All primary cancers associated with the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon and rectum are included in the classification of gastro-intestinal cancers.
Based on medical studies, claims are favourably considered if the following circumstances apply
- there is a clear and adequate history of occupational exposure to asbestos dust, and while such occupational exposure cannot be quantitatively described, it should be of a continuous and repetitive nature, and should represent or be a manifestation of the major component of the occupational activity,
AND
- there is a minimum interval of 20 years between the first exposure to asbestos and the diagnosis of gastro-intestinal cancer.
No distinction is given to the site of the cancer in assessing the merit of the claim.
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 04-04-14.
References
Legislative Authority
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, as amended
Sections 2(1), 15, 119
Minute
Board of Directors
#8(XXIV), June 10, 2004, Page 6620