Cancer conditions and WorkCover < Back

World health authorities believe that a significant number of cancer conditions have 'industrial' causes. This means that some cancers are caused by exposure to chemicals, pollutants and other substances where the exposure has most commonly occurred in the workplace.

Some cancers, such as mesotheliomia have very specific causes e.g. asbestos. This can make a claim very straightforward.

With some other types of cancers the link between work exposure and the particular cancer can be less clear. In some circumstances, cancer conditions can have multiple factors that might cause the cancer. For example, one of the recognised causes of bladder cancer is exposure to 'tar pitch volatiles' in metal smelting, but it can also be caused by smoking.

When claiming WorkCover benefits for cancer it is important to:
  • Carefully identify the exact type of cancer involved

  • Identify the site of the primary cancer
  • Attempt to identify the types of chemicals or agents which the worker was exposed

  • Review reputable medical literature about the potential relationship between a cancer and the work exposure.

    • This can be a complex process and establishing a possible proven relationship between a particular cancer employment requires expert assistance.
The WorkCover legislation contains a specific provision that can help in claiming WorkCover benefits for a cancer condition. Under this provision, if the medical literature shows that a particular occupation has an increased risk of causing a particular type of cancer, then it is possible to claim WorkCover benefits without proving the actual relationship between the cancer and work. This means that if you can prove an increased risk of a cancer from a particular type of work, WorkCover has to prove that it did NOT come from work.

If you are suffering from a cancer which you believe maybe work-related contact Workforce Legal on 1800 134 204 for an obligation free consultation at no cost to discuss the prospects of pursuing a claim.



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