Worker’s Rash & Psychological Disorder Caused by Pesticide Exposure

A worker claimed that, after the workplace was sprayed with pesticide, he developed contact dermatitis (a rash). He then said he developed an adjustment disorder due to the rash and the treatment process for it. The Appeals Commission found that the rash was work-related. It developed within hours of the worker being exposed to the pesticide. And the MSDS for the substance indicated that exposure could irritate the skin. In addition, the medical evidence showed that the rash contributed to his psychological disorder. Thus, the worker’s claims should both be covered by workers’ comp [Decision No: 2013-0001, [2013] CanLII 167 (AB WCAC), Jan. 3, 2013].