Common Work-Related Illnesses

Common Work-Related Illnesses

By Pyle Law, Reviewed by E. Thomas Pyle December 30 2019 8:59 pm

Some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others.  For example, construction work is obviously more physically dangerous than working in an office behind a desk.  Some occupations, however, expose employees to dangerous conditions that can lead to illnesses that seriously affect their lives.  There are certain such illnesses and diseases that are most closely associated with occupational hazards. If you’ve suffered a work-related illness, consult with an experienced Kansas workers’ compensation attorney today. 

Employers’ Responsibilities

Occupational illnesses can be caused by any number of factors, but they generally come down to being exposed to dangerous situations – that employers sometimes fail to adequately address.  These can include:

• Exposure to dangerous chemicals 
• Exposure to dangerous substances that obstruct healthy breathing
• Overexposure to sounds and noise

Employers are not only responsible for considering these issues but also for taking reasonable steps to help prevent employees from being adversely affected.  Regardless of who is to blame, however, if you develop a serious illness as a result of your employment, you may be entitled to recover workers’ compensation benefits.

Common Occupational Diseases

There are several illnesses that are commonly associated with a variety of occupations, including:

• Hearing Loss – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hearing loss is one of the most common occupational illnesses in the nation.  In fact, not only are millions of employees exposed to dangerous noise levels but also to chemicals that leave them vulnerable to hearing loss and damage to the ear.

• Occupational Skin Diseases – The CDC shares that occupational skin diseases are the second most common work-related illness.  Examples include irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, skin cancer, infections, injuries, and more.

• Occupational Asthma – When employees are exposed to airborne toxins (chemicals, fumes, dust, gasses, and more) on the job, it can develop into occupational asthma that include symptoms like tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. 

• Chemical Poisoning – If proper protections aren’t carefully implemented, dangerous chemicals can lead to extremely serious burns and/or poisoning. Generally, precautions include appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and careful training regarding handling.

• Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive and lethal form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is common to many kinds of construction and factory work.  

• Neurological Disorders – There are certain workplace toxins that can seriously harm the neurological system. Examples include lead, formaldehyde, dioxins, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

If You’re the Victim of a Work-Related Illness, an Experienced Kansas Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help

If you’ve contracted a dangerous illness that is related to your employment, it has very likely led to significant physical and financial consequences.  Attorney Tom Pyle at Pyle Law in McPherson, Kansas, is committed to helping you fully recover on your losses in order to help you reach your fullest recovery. Our dedicated legal team is on your side, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (888) 381-1155 for more information today.