Pollard v. Weyerhaeuser Co.

Morgan, A.C.J.

In this workers’ compensation case, the question is whether the Department of Labor and Industries (DLI) may treat noise-related hearing loss not causally related to earlier noise-related hearing loss as a separate and distinct occupational disease. Answering yes, we affirm the trial court’s grant of summary judgment to the worker and DLI.

From 1961 to 2000, Scott Pollard worked for Weyer-haeuser as a log truck driver. He was routinely exposed to hazardous noise.

In the late 1970s, Pollard noticed that his hearing had declined. He saw a doctor, who diagnosed nerve damage in his…