Injuries from Exposure to Toxic Chemicals on the Job

By Pyle Law, June 29 2021 9:46 am
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Injuries from Exposure to Toxic Chemicals on the Job

By Pyle Law, June 29 2021 9:46 am
Injuries from Exposure to Toxic Chemicals on the Job

Exposure to toxic chemicals injures thousands of American workers annually. Those who suffer these injuries at work have rights under Kansas workers’ compensation laws, and enlisting a Kansas workers’ compensation attorney can help you receive full benefits for your injuries.

Injuries from toxic chemicals are common in workplaces spanning different industries. They differ based on their prevalence and impact levels across various sectors, but these injuries regularly result in claims from injured workers seeking workers’ compensation benefits for their injuries. These claims can be complicated, and it can often be highly beneficial to have the help of a Kansas workers’ compensation attorney from Pyle Law

Who is Most Vulnerable to Toxic Exposure?

Workers in nearly any industry can suffer injuries by exposing themselves to toxic chemicals. However, employees in some sectors are more vulnerable than others, including:

  • Industrial and manufacturing
  • Mining
  • Welding 
  • Warehousing
  • Transportation (of hazardous substances)
  • Oil and gas
  • Welding
  • Lumbering
  • Agriculture
  • Healthcare
  • Painting
  • Beauty 
  • Maintenance 
  • Construction

Employees in these industries regularly seek workers’ compensation benefits for this type of injury.  

The Most Common Toxic Substances in the Workplace

American workers are exposed to different poisonous chemicals. The five most common substances that cause chemical exposure that risks employees’ lives are:

  • Chlorine;
  • Ammonia;
  • Hydrochloric acid;
  • Sulfuric acid;
  • Carbon monoxide.

Dangers of Exposure to Toxic Substances 

Workers who expose themselves to these substances can suffer different injuries and diseases. Conditions resulting from exposure vary, often depending on the severity and duration of the exposure. A worker might suffer one or more of the following illnesses and injuries:

  • Brain damage.
  • Burns if their skin contacts these chemicals.
  • Rashes.
  • Skin irritation.
  • Various cancers like blood cancer.
  • Defective and deformed births.
  • Asthma and other respiratory complications.
  • Blindness and other visual impairments. 
  • Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s Disease
  • Migraines.
  • Nausea.
  • Dizziness.
  •  Eye irritation.
  • Anemia.

What Causes Exposure to Toxic Substances in the Workplace?

Injuries from poisonous substances can result from various causes. Some of these exposures can be blamed on someone’s negligence, while others are simply accidents. Some possible causes of workplace chemical exposure include:

  • Insufficient ventilation.
  • Insufficient personal protective gear for workers.
  • Incorrect chemical handling.
  • Shoddy or little staff training on personal workplace safety.
  • Careless chemical storage.
  • Poor chemical storage containers.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so workers do not have to prove negligence in order to qualify for benefits. 

Preventing Occupational Exposure to Toxic Chemicals 

Despite the potential dangers and injuries toxic chemicals expose workers to, employers can prevent them. The OSHA regulations require employers to train their staff on how to work safely with poisonous substances. They should also clearly label poisonous chemicals and train workers on how to operate in hazardous work environments. The preventive training must train workers to do the following: 

  • Identify the exposure of hazardous substances.
  • Utilize personal protective equipment.
  • Obey emergency procedures.
  • Follow safety protocols when they contact toxic materials.

Call Your Kansas Workers’ Compensation Attorney Now

Exposure to toxic substances can injure workers in many ways, resulting in benefit claims. Have you been hurt in such circumstances and need legal help winning reasonable compensation? Contacting a Kansas workers’ compensation attorney can help the claim process go smoothly. Call Pyle Law today for a free consultation about your potential workers’ compensation benefits.

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