4060.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 8:43 AM

Abstract #13859

Discrimination against women in occupational health compensation

Katherine H. Lippel, Département des sciences juridiques (law), Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre Ville, Montreal, QC H3P 3C8, 514-9873000 ext. 3901, lippel.katherine@uqam.ca

Criteria for evaluating workers' compensation claims for occupational disease are strongly linked to medical expertise as supported by scientific study, yet decision-makers are not necessarily familiar with the meaning of the scientific studies presented to them. While this is a problem for all claimants, who bear the burden of proving that work caused their injury, the adverse impact of misunderstanding of scientific data can have particular consequences for women workers, whose work more often appears to be benign. This presentation will examine empirical data drawn from analysis of 314 workers' compensation appeal tribunal decisions regarding claims, in Québec, for repetitive strain injury. The presentation will provide examples of the use and misuse of scientific data in the context of adjudication and will examine and explain the adverse impact of the process on women claimants. Participants will be provided with indices which will assist in identifying discriminatory practices of adjudication and strategies to overcome these practices.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be provided with indices which will assist in identifying discriminatory practices of adjudication and strategies to overcome these practices

Keywords: Women, Workers' Compensation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA