HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) MECHANIC – OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO R134A MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORKER’S CARDIOMYOPATHY

Decision No: 1346/17 | Date of Decision: May 8, 2017 | PDF: 2017onwsiat1377

This is a leading case involving an occupational disease appeal before the WSIAT. In granting the Worker initial entitlement to cardiomyopathy (heart attack) and recognizing a permanent impairment of the same, and recognizing a permanent impairment of his work-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis and granting full Loss of Earning benefits, the Panel accepted our oral and written submissions corroborating the acute significant inhalation exposure to a refrigerant, such as R134A, mist and oil mist can directly cause cardiomyopathy.