Occupationally related illness: its compensation and its prevention

Abstract

In the major industrialised nations of the Northern Hemisphere, it is now being recognised that the problem of work-related illness is one of considerable dimensions. Despite the advantage New Zealand enjoys with its Accident Compensation legislation, in such matters, we lag behind the best of overseas practice. The article examines the part that recognition of such illnesses for compensation purposes plays in highlighting the need for preventive measures and suggests that, unless more effort is put into research into causation and allied problems, the work connection will not be established. Thus, not only will compensation not be paid but also, preventive measures will not be instituted.