Saturday 20, November, 2004, 09:30-18:30, (16:00-17:00, Q&A) No.3 CR
Sunday 21, November, 2004, 09:30-12:30, No.3 CR
Poster Sessions
 |
G Lansley, S Kidziak, R Buckley
Workers Compensation Dust Diseases Board of New South Wales, Australia
ABSTRACT:
INTRODUCTION
Many NSW workers employed in various industries and trades were exposed to asbestos and silica. A State Government, no fault compensation scheme was established in 1927 and reformed in 1967 to meet the special requirements of these workers and to streamline the compensation process.
METHODS
Compensation funds are raised from a small levy on all NSW's employers. The DDB provides a screening service. A Medical Authority determines disease and level of disablement and a Board comprised of Union and Employer representatives makes an award of compensation. No legal representation is required to lodge a claim or during the process itself. Individuals with malignant diseases such as mesothelioma have their claims processed and an award made within an average timeframe of 4 to 6 weeks.
RESULTS
The Medical Authority assesses between 3000 to 3500 cases each year. In 2002/2003 the Board awarded compensation benefits totalling A$55,079,000. The DDB funds research into dust diseases and has contributed more than A$3,000,000 for this purpose. The DDB also provides a low cost commercial screening service to employers and their employees who may have been exposed to asbestos. The health of these workers (over 6000 screened in 2002/2003) is then monitored by the DDB for the rest of their lives.
CONCLUSION
The DDB provides a low cost, efficient, effective and equitable compensation scheme to NSW workers without the need for litigation and the accompanying stress. The NSW compensation model is a world leader in the provision of statutory no fault compensation.