Workplace Aggravated Lead Hand’s Pre-Existing Asthma

A lead hand at a steel manufacturing facility had asthma. When the company relocated, the new facility exposed him to dust, forklift exhaust, welding fumes, plasma cutting smoke, spray paint, canned oil, grease spray and cleaners. He claimed this exposure aggravated his asthma to the point that he could no perform all aspects of his job. The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal agreed, ruling that his workplace exposure to air contaminants entitled him to workers’ comp coverage for aggravation of his pre-existing condition [Decision No. 2012-18, [2012] CanLII 337 (AB WCAC), Jan. 9, 2012].