Dr. Spadafora

The worker's estate appealed a decision denying initial entitlement for mesothelioma.

The worker, a teacher from 1969 to 2000, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2007 and passed away in 2010.

The estate argued the disease was caused by asbestos exposure in the school, specifically in a map storage room where damaged asbestos pipe insulation was present.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the worker was exposed to friable asbestos fibres in the map room, which he accessed daily.

Relying on the medical opinion of the worker's treating oncologist and the latency period consistent with asbestos exposure, the Officer concluded that the occupational exposure significantly contributed to the development of mesothelioma.

The appeal was allowed.