This blog post summarises the key insights from the latest Virtual Education Session (VES) presented by Ross Sottile, a Melbourne lawyer at Morris Blackburn. He has extensive experience specialising in asbestos, silica and occupational disease compensation claims, supporting his clients through the entire compensation process. 

This VES focused on the often-overlooked link between occupational exposure and the development of scleroderma. Ross shared key insights into how certain workplace environments can contribute to the onset of scleroderma – and what legal and compensation pathways are available for those affected.

For more free resources, access our in-depth and targeted information brochures here, or click here for our workplace brochure: a guide for employers and employees.

What Is Occupational Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the body’s connective tissue, often affecting the skin, internal organs and blood vessels. While its cause isn’t always clear, growing evidence links workplace exposure to toxic substances as a contributing factor in some cases.

Ross Sottile highlighted that certain industries and chemicals are now known to increase the risk of developing scleroderma. These include:

Common hazardous substances linked to scleroderma:

  • Silica dust 
  • Organic solvents (e.g. xylene, toluene) 
  • Welding fumes
  • Epoxy resins
  • Hair dyes
  • Polyvinyl chloride
  • Pesticides and radiation

Industries at higher risk:

  • Mining
  • Construction and demolition
  • Stonemasonry
  • Welding and painting
  • Hairdressing
  • Pottery and foundry work
  • Industrial cleaning
  • Beauty services 

→ A major Australian study found that 7.5% of scleroderma patients had prior exposure to silica at work. Yet only a small number of workers have successfully made compensation claims – indicating a significant awareness gap.

What Legal Entitlements Do Workers Have?

If you’ve developed scleroderma and suspect that your job may have exposed you to harmful substances, you may be eligible for compensation – even if exposure occurred years ago or your employer is no longer in business.

Ross broke down key WorkCover entitlements, available under the Victorian system (similar systems exist across Australia):

1. Medical and Like Expenses

Covers costs such as:

  • GP visits, specialists, psychologists
  • Medications
  • Home help, gardening, and mobility aids
  • Hydrotherapy and rehabilitation 

2. Weekly Payments 

If you’re unable to work due to your condition, you may be entitled to:

  • Up to 95% of your pre-injury income for the first 13 weeks
  • 80% from week 14 to 130
  • Continued payments beyond 130 weeks (if indefinitely incapacitated)

3. Impairment Benefit (Lump Sum)

If you suffer a permanent impairment due to workplace exposure, you may receive a lump sum – ranging from $20,000 to over $700,000, depending on severity.

4. Common Law Damages

In serious cases, where negligence by the employer can be proven, further compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of future earnings

       can be pursued through a common law claim.

→ Important: There are time limits. A common law claim must typically be made within 6 years of diagnosis or when the condition was first known to be work-related.

For those in New Zealand, there is the ACC Scheme, which is similar in some ways, but with less robust worker protections:

  • People can be assessed as capable of doing hypothetical jobs (even if unrealistic).
  • In some cases, compensation may be cut off immediately – no 130-week buffer like in Victoria.

What Should You Do If You’re Concerned?

If you or someone you know is living with scleroderma and has worked in a high-risk industry:

  • Seek medical advice immediately

Talk to your GP or specialist about any past occupational exposures.

  • Register your exposure

Australia has a National Dust Disease Register, accessible by clicking here (including silica, asbestos and chemical exposures). Early registration ensures your work history is recorded – even if no diagnosis exists yet.

  • Know your rights

You are entitled to free initial legal advice. Maurice Blackburn offers no-obligation consultations to discuss your eligibility for a claim.

→ Tip: Even if your exposure happened 10–20 years ago, or your employer no longer exists, you may still be eligible for compensation.

Gender and Advocacy

  • Scleroderma is more common in women, but many occupational exposures occur in male-dominated fields.
  • Diagnosis in women is often delayed, and women may be less likely to seek compensation or speak up.
  • Underreporting in occupations like hairdressing and beauty might be due to lack of union representation or advocacy.
  • Encouragement for women and all workers to come forward, not just for themselves, but for future workplace safety reforms.

Final Thoughts: Raising Awareness and Changing Lives

As awareness grows around occupational scleroderma, it’s crucial that workers, healthcare providers, and policy makers understand the risks and act early. This includes:

  • Using protective equipment
  • Regular health monitoring
  • Promoting early legal advice when symptoms arise

Legal action can’t undo the harm – but it can help people regain control, access treatment, and support their families through life-changing diagnoses.

Need Help? Contact Maurice Blackburn

If you suspect your scleroderma may be linked to workplace exposure, you can contact:

Ross Sottile

Lawyer – Asbestos and Occupational Disease Team

Phone (03) 8102 2164 or book an online inquiry here.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can scleroderma be caused by work?

Yes. Studies have linked certain chemical and dust exposures in workplaces to an increased risk of developing scleroderma.

Can I make a claim years after I was exposed?

Yes, especially for diseases with long latency periods. Legal claims can often proceed even if the exposure occurred many years ago.

What’s the first step to making a claim?

Speak to a lawyer specialising in occupational disease. They can help determine if you’re eligible and assist with gathering medical and work history evidence.

For those living with Scleroderma, staying updated and informed can make a world of difference. Connecting with others can also be hugely beneficial. Find out more about support in your area here. 

If you’d like to gain firsthand knowledge, our National Education Sessions and Virtual Education Sessions are available to you at no charge. Our Virtual Education Sessions are held every month through Google Meet. You can sign up for these free Virtual Education Sessions here.

These sessions provide an opportunity to engage with medical professionals and seasoned legal experts who will address common inquiries about Scleroderma and related topics.