MO SB572

Occupational disease compensation requires "prevailing factor" standard, defined as the primary factor causing both medical condition and disability, excluding ordinary deterioration from aging or normal daily activities.

Repetitive motion injuries and contagious/communicable diseases are recognized as occupational diseases; prior employer liability applies if exposure was less than three months and was prevailing factor.

Mental injuries from work-related stress do not qualify unless stress is extraordinary and unusual, measured by objective standards; excludes injuries from disciplinary actions, evaluations, transfers, layoffs, or terminations taken in good faith.

Employees not liable for workplace injuries where compensation is recoverable, except when employee engaged in affirmative negligent act that purposefully and dangerously caused or increased injury risk.

Maximum burial expense benefit increased from $5,000 to $10,000; employer cannot recover through subrogation against third parties when employer caused occupational disease from toxic exposure.