Evaluation of disability of occupational illness claims for workers' compensation

Occupational physicians are faced with the challenge of estimating the contribution of occupational and non-occupational risk factors to a particular work-related illness for workers' compensation. This paper proposes guidelines for occupational physicians to evaluate claims for presentation to a compensation board. Occupational bladder cancer was taken as an example. Relevant literature was obtained and reviewed. A worksheet was designed to record pertinent information on occupational illness. The procedure for handling a claim is described. Failure to follow such an approach may lead to gross inequities.