ACC coverage for poisoning awarded
A man has been awarded ACC coverage after years of bureaucratic wrangling over whether or not he was poisoned by a toxic cleaning agent at work.
Michael Blincoe, a former yard man and cleaner at the Stockton mine near Westport, was seeking compensation for neurotoxicity, which was believed to have caused co-ordination problems, dizziness, fatigue, and balance and walking problems.
A doctor said his condition may prevent him from ever working again.
Blincoe, from Westport, was employed by Doug Hood Mining Ltd when he worked at Stockton. He often used the solvent Tergosol A1, which can be toxic if touched, inhaled or swallowed. He became sick while working at the mine and developed severe dermatitis. His neurological problems worsened after he left the job in 2009.
According to an ACC appeals court decision, he was initially denied coverage after a panel of medical experts found his symptoms were ‘‘non specific and could be explained by other causes’’. However, Judge Neil MacLean ruled there was ‘‘little to suggest any other realistic cause’’ for the problems. ‘‘I am drawn to the conclusion, when weighing up the sheer nastiness of the toxic substance involved [and] the intensity of the exposure with inadequate protective safeguards . . . that there is a causal link.’’
He ruled ACC should cover Blincoe’s medical costs for the neurological symptoms.
Blincoe first went to a doctor about the issue in January 2008. He was granted ACC coverage for dermatitis in 2009.
Doctors subsequently disagreed on the cause of his neurological symptoms, the decision said. Several believed prolonged exposure to chemicals over 10 to 20 years was needed to trigger such problems (Blincoe worked at the mine for just over two years) and that it was unlikely symptoms would worsen after exposure ended.
A doctor who saw Blincoe in 2014 said he showed an ‘‘obvious lack of co-ordination and a definite slow limping gait’’.
‘‘His neurologic status . . . has markedly deteriorated to the point where it clearly affects his activities of daily living and ability to ever work again.’’
Blincoe said he was pleased by the judge’s decision but had concerns about how long it would take to receive compensation and what would be covered. ‘‘I’m kind of grumpy at the whole system. I feel like I’ve been let down.’’
The case had ‘‘dragged on’’, he said, and he had developed new health problems.
ACC spokeswoman Stephanie Melville said there was no delay in arranging his compensation, which was being treated as a new claim. ‘‘These types of claims are complex and difficult to determine, and often involve conflicting medical opinions . . . we’re in the process of gathering and assessing all the necessary medical information.’’
Doug Hood Mining general manager Kevin Davies was unavailable for comment.