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TOXIC EXPOSURE
Toxic chemicals are a part of daily life for most people, even though most of us never realize it, or never experience side effects from exposure. There are toxic chemicals in cleaning products, in many manufactured goods, and even on our food as a result of pesticides. The general public may not ever experience side effects, injury, or illness due to toxic exposure, but the same cannot be said for workers in many occupations.
Toxic Exposure in the Workplace
For workers in some occupations, exposure to toxic chemicals or substances is just part of the job. For others, it is a risk that if not properly mitigated can result in injury or illness.
Some examples of the occupations that are most at risk for toxic exposure include:
- Chemical Manufacturer
- Construction
- Mining
- Welding
- Agriculture
- Food Manufacturing
- Oil and Gas
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has safety guidelines and regulations for most industries to ensure that companies protect their workers from hazards. Unfortunately, these regulations are not always followed, or are not adequate to prevent all injuries or illnesses from occurring.
Toxic Exposure and Workers’ Compensation
Even if your employer took reasonable steps to ensure your safety, if you were injured by toxic exposure in the workplace, you are still entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation claims are not based on who was at-fault, but rather focus on the fact that your injury occurred while in the course of your employment.
It is important that you get proper medical treatment after a toxic exposure injury, document that your injury happened at work, and notify your employer as soon as possible. You may also find it helpful to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney about your claim.
At The Law Office of Patrick Murphy, our workers’ compensation attorney can help you file your claim, determine which benefits you qualify for, and overcome any obstacles or claim denials.