What to Do When You Are Exposed to Toxic Chemicals While on The Job
Posted October 21st, 2016 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Workers Compensation.
Not everyone’s job involves sitting behind a desk in front of a computer all day. Sometimes, workers have to deal with dangerous toxins as part of their workday. And if your employer isn’t up to date with safety regulations, there is a real danger of exposure in that worker’s future.
First, you need to know how these hazardous materials enter your body. There are four major entryways:
- Inhaling the substance
- Contact through the skin
- Ingesting or eating the substance
- Injecting the substance
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established a set of regulations that protect employees from toxic exposure. Depending on what industry and/or what chemical you are handling, the agency has a list of regulations on how each substance should be handled during the course of your work. In addition to these regulations, all employees are required to be properly trained and have the proper protection such as respirators or clothing to have as little exposure as possible.
Yet employers are always looking to cut costs. And unfortunately, worker safety is sometimes thrown to the wayside in cost saving measures. This leads to a great chance of toxic exposure for the worker.
So what happens if you are exposed to hazardous material at work? Just like any accident at work, workers compensation will cover your medical bills. However, there are exceptions to every rule and you may be able to recover for damages against a third party. However, this is a route that you don’t want to go alone. You should consult with an experienced toxic exposure attorney to see if you have a case.
If you are exposed to toxic chemicals while on the job and need assistance with your workers compensation claim, we can help. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation on your case.
