Compensation for Pneumoconiosis
39.The purpose of the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 is to provide compensation to sufferers of certain dust-related diseases, or their dependants, where the disease developed as a result of exposure to dust in the course of their employment, but they were unable to claim damages from their employers because those employers had ceased to carry on business. The diseases to which the Act applies are pneumoconiosis, byssinosis, diffuse mesothelioma, primary carcinoma of the lung (where there is accompanying evidence of asbestosis and/or bilateral diffuse pleural thickening) and bilateral diffuse pleural thickening.
40.Sections 58 and 59 amend the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 in order to clarify when a person suffering from such a disease may make a claim under the Act and to widen the group of dependants who may make a claim to include, in particular, civil partners.