2014 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 85A. Administrative Workers' Compensation System
§85A-66. Silicosis and asbestosis.

A. As used in this act, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Asbestosis" means the characteristic fibrotic condition of the lungs caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust; and

2. "Silicosis" means the characteristic fibrotic condition of the lungs caused by the inhalation of silica dust.

B. In the absence of conclusive evidence in favor of the claim, disability or death from silicosis or asbestosis shall be presumed not to be due to the nature of any occupation within the provision of this section unless during the ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of disablement the employee has been exposed to the inhalation of silica dust or asbestos dust over a period of not less than five (5) years, two (2) years of which shall have been in this state, under a contract of employment performed in this state. However, if the employee has been employed by the same employer during the entire five-year period, his or her right to compensation against the employer shall not be affected by the fact that he or she had been employed during any part of the period outside of this state.

C. Except as otherwise provided in this section, compensation for disability from uncomplicated silicosis or asbestosis shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of Sections 45 and 48 of this act.

D. 1. In case of disability or death from silicosis or asbestosis complicated with tuberculosis of the lungs, compensation shall be payable as for uncomplicated silicosis or asbestosis, provided that the silicosis or asbestosis was an essential factor in the causing of disability or death.

2. In case of disability or death from silicosis or asbestosis complicated with any other disease, or from any other disease complicated with silicosis or asbestosis, the compensation shall be reduced as provided in subsection C of Section 65 of this act.

E. 1. When an employee, though not actually disabled, is found by the Commission to be affected by silicosis or asbestosis to such a degree as to make it unduly hazardous for him or her to continue in an employment involving exposure to the hazards of the disease, the Commission may order that he or she be removed from his or her employment. In such a case, or in case he or she has already been discharged from the employment and is unemployed, he or she shall be entitled to compensation until he or she can obtain steady employment in some other suitable occupation in which there are no hazards of the disease.

2. When in any case the forced change of employment shall, in the opinion of the Commission, require that the employee be given special training in order to qualify him or her for another occupation, the employer liable for compensation shall pay for the vocational rehabilitation and training provided for in this act.

Added by Laws 2013, c. 208, § 66, eff. Feb. 1, 2014.