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Sick worker finally gets compensation

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-09-18 11:49

 

A migrant worker known for literally opening up his chest to prove he had occupational lung disease finally received the compensation he had been demanding.

Zhang Haichao said yesterday he was very lucky to finally be compensated thanks to media exposure.

The 28-year-old on Tuesday received 615,000 yuan ($90,000) from Xinmi-based Zhengzhou Zhendong Fireproof Material Factory in Henan province. He developed the occupational lung disease pneumoconiosis after working there.

"I feel very lucky that so many in the media, citizens and authorities were concerned about me, which helped me successfully get the compensation," he told China Daily yesterday. Zhang was in a light mood though he was still coughing from time to time.

He hoped authorities continue to safeguard rights for vulnerable migrant workers who have not attracted the public's attention.

"My biggest wish now is for the government to continue safeguarding rights for more migrant workers in all corners of the country, because not everyone in need is as lucky as me to be reported by the media," he said.

Zhang's four former colleagues who developed the same disease in the factory also received compensation ranging from 317,000 to 210,000 yuan.

Zhang had worked in the factory operating a crusher and a press machine since 2004. With growing pain in his chest and an ongoing cough since 2007, Zhang suspected he had developed occupational lung disease. The diagnosis by several major hospitals in Henan and Beijing later confirmed he had developed pneumoconiosis.

But he could only get compensation if he had an assessment report for occupational disease issued by the local government-designated clinic, where he had been misdiagnosed.

In desperation, he asked doctors at No 1 Hospital affiliated with Zhengzhou University to open his chest in June to prove he had the disease, which made headlines across the country.

Media exposure attracted the authority's attention. He and his four colleagues were soon diagnosed with work-related pneumoconiosis by the local government-designated clinic in July.

As a result of the case, six local health officials and doctors were either sacked or suspended.

The State Administration of Work Safety, China's work safety watchdog, also formulated a temporary provision. The new provision means Chinese businesses and factories that violate occupational hazard regulations will be shut down and face penalties up to 300,000 yuan starting this month.

About the broadcaster:

Nancy Matos is a foreign expert at China Daily Website. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Nancy is a graduate of the Broadcast Journalism and Media program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Her journalism career in broadcast and print has taken her around the world from New York to Portugal and now Beijing. Nancy is happy to make the move to China and join the China Daily team.