He died in 2011, but his fight paid off. The bladder and thyroid cancers of a former Nantes dock worker have been recognized as occupational diseases.
It is a victory for the dockworkers. The Nantes (Loire-Atlantique) Social Security Business Court (Tass) recognized the occupational origin of the cancers of a former dock worker, Jean-Luc Chagnolleau. Died in September 2011 of bladder and thyroid cancer, the man had initiated proceedings in 2007. This first recognition should set a precedent.
Preserving the health of dockworkers
The case began in 2007 when Jean-Luc Chagnolleau asked that his bladder and thyroid cancers be recognized as having an occupational origin. The file is dragging on. In 2011, the former docker died. His family then brought the file to the Tass in Nantes. Three years later, she won her case: exposure to dust and toxic and carcinogenic products “had a direct and essential causal role in the occurrence of her pathologies”, concludes the judge.
The various agricultural products handled by dockworkers are loaded with fungicides and pesticides, the harmful effects of which are recognized. “This is a decision that will set a precedent”, rejoiced Serge Doussin, president of the Association for the protection of occupational health in port professions at the microphone of AFP. “Now that there is recognition, our concern is that the health of dockworkers and port workers is preserved. “
19 recognized cancers
This is the first time that occupational cancer has been recognized in the dockworker profession. In the table of occupational diseases, 19 forms of cancer are however registered. “Among the different types of cancer having an occupational origin, those of the respiratory tract are the most frequent”, specifies the site of the National Research and Safety Institute (INRS).
Then come ENT cancers, leukaemias, bladder and skin cancers as well as those of the liver and pleura. “
Example of recognized occupational origins in lung cancer.
Source : Table of occupational diseases
But these cancers are associated with specific exposures more than with occupations. Thus, asbestos is identified as responsible for 5 to 7% of lung cancers, but also mesothelioma (which affects the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium). From most common occupational risks include ionizing or ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, electromagnetic fields, biological agents… but also night work. As for professional activities, occupations in agriculture, construction or metallurgy are, among other professions, recognized as increasing the risk of cancer.
Watch the INRS prevention spot:
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