Most individuals inadvertently interact with a myriad of hazardous substances in their routine activities, from common cleaning agents to pesticides present in our food and even contaminants in our water supply.
However, for certain sectors, employees face an even greater risk of exposure to these toxic elements, heightening the likelihood of health problems tied to their professions. In such circumstances, these workers may be justified in filing a workers’ compensation claim based on their workplace exposure to toxic substances.
High-Risk Industries for Chemical Exposure
Certain roles practically guarantee exposure to harmful substances, even when numerous protective measures, such as wearing specialized safety attire or masks, are in place. Jobs in these sectors include agriculture, mining, industries with prevalent diesel fumes, construction roles, professions involving welding or painting, roles within the aerospace sector, and even some positions within the food industry. Interestingly, certain flavoring agents used in widely-consumed snack foods can prove harmful when inhaled, posing a considerable risk to workers in manufacturing plants.
Employer Responsibility and OSHA Guidelines
Employees rightfully expect their employers to educate them about the risks associated with toxic substances, employing clear labels, signs, and additional resources. This is standard practice for known hazardous materials. However, it gets trickier with substances not widely recognized as toxic, or those that may be safe in small amounts but can cause harm with continual, long-term exposure.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets guidelines to safeguard workers from occupational injuries, including those resulting from exposure to harmful chemicals. If the concentration of a chemical in the air surpasses OSHA’s determined threshold, employees must either be relocated, or the company must ensure the air is safe for workers to breathe.
Potential Health Risks from Chemical Exposure
Exposure to hazardous substances can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory issues, memory loss, internal health disorders, and severe skin burns. These issues might surface immediately following exposure or gradually develop due to continuous exposure to the harmful substance.
Seeking Workers’ Compensation for Chemical Exposure
If you’ve suffered an injury or illness due to work-related exposure to a toxic substance, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. At PLBH, our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys have the knowledge and experience to assist injured employees in securing the compensation and benefits they rightfully deserve, including claims relating to exposure to toxic substances and other hazardous materials.
Reach out to our office today at (800) 435-7542 to arrange a complimentary initial consultation and learn more about how we can help you.