Industrial diseases

The IDMP examines workers who may be adversely affected by pneumoconiosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer or diffuse pleural fibrosis to determine the following questions –

1. is, or was, the worker suffering from pneumoconiosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer or diffuse pleural fibrosis?
2. if so, is, or was, the worker thereby less able to earn full wages?
3. to what extent if any does, or did
   1. pneumoconiosis
   2. mesothelioma
   3. lung cancer
   4. diffuse pleural fibrosis adversely affect the worker’s ability to undertake physical effort?
4. what other, if any, disease or physical condition is, or was, contributing to the worker’s being less able to earn full wages, or death and to what extent?
5. is, or was, the worker fit for work? If so, at what level – light, moderate, or heavy?

When appearing before the Industrial Diseases Medical Panel (IDMP):

• The worker is medically examined by the panel members.
• Work history, medical history, medical evidence and symptoms are discussed with the worker.
• The worker’s CT results and lung function tests are examined.
• The worker may have a medical practitioner who has examined or treated him/her make oral submission to the IDMP.

Following the examination of the medical evidence provided and a review of your condition, the Industrial Diseases Medical Panel (IDMP) makes a determination as to whether one of the four listed diseases is present. The IDMP’s determination is provided to you and your employer. The determination of the IDMP is final, conclusive and binding on both parties. There is no restriction on the number of appearances you may make before the IDMP. It is important to note that the IDMP can only make a determination regarding pneumoconiosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and diffuse pleural fibrosis based on the available medical evidence. If the IDMP determines you are not suffering from one of these four diseases, it does not imply that there is nothing wrong, nor does it prevent you from making a claim for other conditions which may be compensable under the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981.

Determinations in absentia

Provided sufficient medical evidence has been supplied and the Industrial Diseases Medical Panel agrees, your determination may be made without an attendance. This applies only where a worker is unable to attend due to hospitalisation or distance.