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Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, 1993 (Act No. 130 of 1993)

Circular Instructions

Circular Instruction No. 184 - Compensation for Work Aggravated Asthma

2. Diagnosis

 

Diagnosis of work-aggravated asthma should meet the following factors (all 5):

 

1. Medical history indicating pre-existing asthma or history of asthmatic symptoms, prior to the start of employment or exposure to the known aggravating agent.

 

2. Presence of work related exposures preceding and/or associated with the onset of an asthmatic attack or the worsening of symptoms.

 

3. Presence of work-related factors known to aggravate asthma symptoms (e.g. cold air, dusty work, chemical or biological irritants, indoor air pollutants, physically strenuous work, second-hand smoke).

 

4. Increase in symptoms or medication requirements, or documentation of work-related changes in PEFR or FEV1 after start of employment or occupational exposure.

 

5. Presence of reversible airflow obstruction and/or non-specific bronchial hyper-responsiveness on pulmonary function testing.

 

The Medical Officers in the Compensation Office will determine if the diagnosis of work- aggravated asthma was made according to acceptable medical standards.