Sandblaster with Silicosis Entitled to Benefits Based on Wage Earned Nearly A Decade Before Diagnosis, Commissioner Rules

RALEIGH, N.C. - A North Carolina workers' compensation commissioner has awarded benefits to a man who developed silicosis after spending six years as a sandblaster in a work environment rendered unsafe by a state division of health services. Cooper v. Carolina Steel Corp., et al., No. 916924 (N.C. I.C.)

Edward Garner Jr., deputy commissioner of the state's industrial commission, filed his opinion and award on Sept. 12, awarding Jimmy Ray Cooper benefits based on his last full year of employment as a sandblaster, and nearly a decade before he was diagnosed with silicosis.

Cooper worked as a sandblaster for Arnold …