Injuries and Illnesses That Workers Can Suffer Due To Hazardous Chemical Exposure

Worker exposure to hazardous chemicals remains a huge problem in the United States of America. Every day, many workers face the risk of chemical exposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that over 32 million employees in America are exposed to 650,000 dangerous chemical products. Employers whose employees must work with or near dangerous chemicals must follow the OSHA guidelines to ensure their employees are safe from exposure. Employers are required to train their workers to handle hazardous chemicals safely. However, even after employees are trained, accidents can happen that result in hazardous chemical exposure. If you suffer an injury or illness on the job because of exposure to hazardous chemicals, it is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention. You should also contact a workers’ compensation attorney, as you may be eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits.

What Workers Are at Risk of Hazardous Chemical Exposure?

When people think of hazardous chemical exposure, many immediately think of people working in oil rigs or laboratories with hazardous materials. Indeed, such people are at the most significant risk of suffering injuries and illnesses due to hazardous chemical exposure. However, many other jobs put people at risk of health problems due to hazardous chemical exposure. The following are other workers at risk of chemical exposure;

• Construction workers
• Waste disposal workers
• Factory workers
• Painters
• Miners
• Janitors
• Workers exposed to diesel fumes
• Aerospace industry workers
• Maintenance personnel

Chemical Exposure Risks in the Workplace

The following are some of the most common chemical exposure risks in the workplace;

• Asbestos
• Mercury
• Benzene
• Aluminum
• Lead
• Pesticides

Injuries and Illnesses That Workers Can Suffer Due To Hazardous Chemicals

Chemical exposure in the workplace can occur in two ways. First, it can occur through the skin. Second, chemical exposure can occur through inhalation. Each of these carries a unique set of dangers. For instance, a plant employee who has a dangerous substance splashed on their skin may suffer rashes or burns. On the other hand, a factory employee who is exposed to hazardous fumes may develop lung disease.

The following are other injuries and illnesses that workers can suffer due to hazardous chemical exposure;

• Brain damage
• Damage to vision and blindness
• Neurological disorders
• Asbestosis
• Cancer and leukemia
• Asthma
• Other diseases associated with difficulty breathing

Also, pregnant employees exposed to hazardous chemicals may have children born with defects.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you’ve suffered an injury or illness after being exposed to hazardous chemicals while on the job, you may be eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits. If you can prove that your injury or illness is work-related, the following are some of the workers’ compensation benefits you may be eligible to recover;

• Medical benefits
• Temporary partial disability benefits
• Temporary total disability benefits
• Permanent partial disability benefits
• Permanent total disability benefits

A skilled workers’ compensation attorney can help determine your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. An attorney can help you file your claim and prove that your injury or illness is work-related.

Contact a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you’ve suffered an injury or illness after being exposed to hazardous chemicals while on the job, contact our skilled and dedicated Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer at Connolly Injury Law.

Source:

osha.gov/news/newsreleases/trade/03012012#:~:text=%22More%20than%2032%20million%20workers%20are%20exposed%20to%20650%2C000%20hazardous%20chemical%20products%20in%20American%20workplaces%2C%22