Expert Witness: Industrial diseases

Compensation for diseases contracted through workplace exposure

Summary:

OH law expert Professor Diana Kloss explains how people exposed to hazardous substances – including diseases – through work activities can claim no-fault compensation from the state. She also explains why, as yet, COVID-19 is not deemed a ‘prescribed’ occupational disease.

The Health and Safety Executive and the local authorities are charged with the enforcement of obligations imposed on employers by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and regulations made pursuant to its authority dealing with particular hazards, including exposure to lead, asbestos and other substances hazardous to health (including biological agents), noise and vibration. However, they are not concerned with the provision of compensation to employees who suffer from personal injury caused by an accident at work or from contracting a disease in circumstances in which it is likely that the cause was exposure in the workplace…

Diana Kloss is a barrister, former part-time employment judge, Acas arbitrator and author

Author: Kloss D

Tags disability hazardous substances law lung disease occupational disease prescribed diseases

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2021 (vol. 18/3) pp36-38

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