In Australia, about 5000 people are diagnosed with work-related cancers each year.
Work-related cancers can be caused by:
- ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (e.g. labourers, wharf workers, postal service workers)
- toxic dusts and chemicals, including asbestos, diesel exhaust, heavy metals, solvents and pesticides (e.g. construction workers, painters, armed services personnel, forestry workers)
- ionising radiation (e.g. miners, nuclear energy workers).
| What does workers compensation cover? | Workers compensation covers workers and their employers in the event of a work-related injury or illness. If you have been diagnosed with a work-related cancer, you may be entitled to workers compensation. |
| How is compensation paid? | This could be paid weekly, as a lump sum and/or used to pay medical bills. If a person dies because of a work-related cancer, their dependants may be able to claim a lump sum amount. |
| How can you make a claim? | It’s important to obtain legal advice from a lawyer who specialises in workers compensation matters. To make a claim, notify your state or territory workers compensation authority about your cancer and why you think it is work related. A time limit may apply for making a claim. |
| Legal support for workers compensation claims | Contact the Law Society in your state or territory to find a lawyer near you. Depending on where you live, Cancer Council 13 11 20 may be able to connect you with a lawyer. In NSW, visit the Law Society of NSW. |
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HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, Sydney, NSW; Leigh Aitken, Consumer; Mary Bairstow, Senior Social Worker, Cancer Centre, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Lynette Brailey, Team Leader Financial Counselling, Cancer Council NSW; Corinne Jones and Siew Tan, Financial Counsellors, Cancer Council VIC; Penny Jacomos, Social Worker, Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia, SA; Dr Deme Karikios, Head of Department – Medical Oncology, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, Nepean Hospital, NSW; Valerie Parsons, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Viridian Financial Group, Melbourne, VIC.
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