Identifying whether your COPD was caused by your work environment involves understanding the potential hazards and evaluating your exposure history. Here are some steps to help determine if your COPD is work-related:

Evaluate Your Work History

Consider the nature of your job and the industry you work in. Certain occupations have a higher risk of exposure to dust, fumes and chemicals known to cause COPD. Jobs in industries such as coal mining, agriculture, construction and quarrying are particularly associated with a higher risk of developing COPD.

Identify Exposure to Harmful Substances

Review the substances you were exposed to during your employment. COPD can be caused or exacerbated by inhaling various dusts and fumes that we have mentioned above.

Duration and Intensity of Exposure

Assess the duration and intensity of your exposure to harmful substances. Long-term and high-level exposure significantly increases the risk of developing COPD. Consider how long you have been in your occupation and the frequency of your exposure to these hazards.

Medical Evaluation

Consult with a healthcare professional who specialises in occupational diseases. They can provide a thorough assessment of your condition and help determine if your COPD is likely related to your work environment. Your medical history, including any known exposures and the onset of symptoms, will be critical in this evaluation.

UNFORTUNATELY , IF YOU HAVE A SIGNIFICANT SMOKING HISTORY , WE ARE UNLIKELY TO BE ABLE TO PURSUE A COPD CLAIM FOR YOU. 

To successfully pursue a COPD compensation claim, you will need to gather comprehensive evidence that demonstrates the link between your condition and your work environment. Here is an outline of the crucial types of evidence required:

Medical Records

• Diagnosis documentation: obtain medical records that confirm your COPD diagnosis. This includes reports from your GP, specialist consultations, and any diagnostic tests such as spirometry or chest X-rays.
• Medical history: provide a complete medical history that details the onset and progression of your symptoms. This should include any treatments or medications you have received for COPD.

Employment History

• Job details: document your employment history, including job titles, roles and responsibilities. Highlight positions where you were exposed to hazardous substances.
• Duration of employment: include the dates you were employed in roles that involved exposure to dust, fumes or other harmful substances.

Exposure Evidence

• Substance exposure records: gather evidence of exposure to harmful substances This can include workplace safety records, incident reports, and any documented use of protective equipment.
• Workplace conditions: provide details about the working conditions, including ventilation, use of protective gear, and any safety protocols in place.

Witness Statements

• Colleague testimonies: collect statements from co-workers who can confirm the presence of hazardous substances in the workplace and your exposure to them.
• Employer statements: if possible, obtain statements from employers acknowledging the presence of these substances and the conditions under which you worked.

Expert Opinions

• Medical experts: secure opinions from medical professionals who can attest to the likelihood that your COPD was caused or exacerbated by workplace exposure. This may include occupational health specialists.
• Occupational experts: engage experts in occupational health and safety to provide assessments of the working conditions and the risks associated with your job.

Personal Documentation

• Symptom diary: keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting their severity and any activities that exacerbate them. This can help illustrate the impact of COPD on your daily life.
• Impact statements: write statements detailing how COPD has affected your quality of life, including physical limitations, emotional impact, and any financial hardships caused by lost earnings or medical expenses.

Employment Records

• Payslips and contracts: provide payslips, employment contracts, and other documents that verify your employment and earnings. This is important for calculating lost earnings and other financial losses.

You have three years to make a COPD compensation claim, starting from the date you were diagnosed with COPD or the date you realised your condition was work-related. This is known as the time limit for filing your claim. COPD often develops gradually, so the three-year period may begin when you first became aware that your illness was linked to your workplace exposure.

It's essential to seek legal advice promptly to avoid missing this deadline. If you miss this three-year window, you may lose your right to compensation. However, exceptions can sometimes be made, but these are rare and not guaranteed.