More than one-fifth of U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace, according to the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA). In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified exposure to dangerous substances or environments as one of the top five causes of workplace deaths. In 2015, 424 workers succumbed to these exposures.
Injuries caused by workplace exposure to toxic substances are often covered under workers’ compensation insurance. However, some situations may also qualify for a third-party personal injury claim. Having a New Jersey toxic exposure lawyer could prove beneficial if you have been effected by toxic exposure. Reach out to a personal injury lawyer today to receive your consultation.
Chemical Exposure
Chemical exposure accounts for approximately 10 percent of workplace fatalities. Workers are typically exposed to toxic and dangerous substances either by skin contact and/or inhalation. Somewhat less common is exposure by ingestion. Some toxic exposure injuries are immediate and obvious, while others may be caused by long-term exposure to hazardous substances over long periods of time.
The following chemicals are just some of the dangerous substances that workers may encounter on the job:
- Aluminum
- Zinc
- Ammonia
- Benzene
- Arsenic
- Chloroform
- Lead
- Iodine
- Uranium
- Mercury
- Formaldehyde
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Pesticides
- Asbestos
- Petroleum
- Silica
Common Toxic Exposure Injuries
Toxic exposure can cause significant injury and even death. Chemicals, solvents, and other toxic substances can cause a variety of damages, depending upon the type of substance, the type of exposure and the duration of the exposure.
Skin disease from toxic exposure is a dangerous and prevalent problem, affecting 28,300 workers in 2015. Respiratory illnesses impacted more than 17,000 workers that same year. Neurological issues can occur after a single event, and may result in brain injury and central nervous system damage.
The following are just some of the conditions that can be caused by exposure to harmful substances:
- Mesothelioma
- Skin disease
- Gastrointestinal illnesses
- Respiratory illnesses
- Neurological injuries
- Central nervous system damage
- Organ damage
- Chemical Burns
- Reproductive problems
Occupations
Workers in all types of industries can be affected by exposure to toxic substances, though some occupations carry more risk than others. Some occupations with a risk of exposure include the following:
Manufacturing / Industrial Work
Work in factories, mills, and plants fabricating products can expose workers to numerous chemicals and hazardous substances.
Shipyards
Ship maintenance and shipyard work activities may involve the handling of solvents, heavy metals, and asbestos. Workers can be exposed to chemical water pollutants as well, such as copper, chromium, nickel and lead.
Dental Offices
Dental office staff may be exposed to beryllium, heavy metals, anesthetic gases, latex dust, and other toxins known to exist in this work environment.
Construction
This wide-ranging industry can put workers in contact with toxic substances on a regular basis, from solvents and lead coatings to insulation materials and diesel fuel.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities use numerous chemicals and potentially harmful products for everything from cleaning and sanitation to patient care.
Automobile Repair Shops
Mechanics, auto body workers, painters and other auto shop staff may encounter chemicals, such as paint, gasoline, fuel, antifreeze, asbestos and more during their work.
Pest Control
Exposure to pesticides and herbicides is a typical hazard for fumigators and pest control technicians.
Firefighters
Smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and hydrogen cyanide are potential hazards for these workers.
Housekeepers / Laundry / Cleaning Staff
These workers can be exposed to hazardous chemicals in solvents and cleaning supplies.
If you experience a workplace toxic exposure injury or become sick after long term exposure to a harmful substance, report the situation to a supervisor immediately. Detail the exposure and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Injuries caused by toxic exposure in the workplace may be compensable under New Jersey workers’ compensation law. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you determine whether you have a viable claim.
