Toxic Exposure On the Job

If you have a job that requires you to work with your hands, you know that your personal safety can often be at risk. If you work with solvents and chemicals, you rely on your employer to take steps to ensure that you aren’t unnecessarily exposed to harmful chemicals or metals, and that you have the protective equipment you need to prevent injury. However, employers often put their profit margins ahead of employee safety, which can result in long-term health care costs, lost earning capacity, permanent disability, or even death. Ensure that you or your loved one is fully compensated for workplace toxic exposure injuries. The attorneys at Peake & Fowler are available to help you defend your right to be paid when you’re hurt on the job.

Many professions provide opportunities for dangerous toxic exposure

While even office workers can be subjected to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals, certain professions involve more opportunities for exposure to hazardous chemicals than others. If you work in one of the following fields, you may be at additional risk for toxic exposure:

• Metalwork or welding
• Demolition, especially when working on older structures that may have used asbestos building materials or lead paint
• Agriculture
• Dry cleaning
• Machine shops
• Automotive repair shops

Failure to train employees and provide safety equipment can result in serious injuries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created an extensive system of rules regarding how to protect workers from unnecessary or unsafe levels of dangerous chemicals in the workplace. OSHA requires that employees be given notice of the specific harmful chemicals they’re being exposed to during the course of their employment, as well as the possible harmful effects of those chemicals. Furthermore, OSHA has set limits on the amount of exposure that is acceptable and requires employers to search for alternative substitutes or other engineering solutions to avoid employee exposure to chemicals. If your workplace fails to adhere to these guidelines, your health and well-being could be threatened.

If you have been injured or developed a disease as a result of exposure to toxic substances at your workplace, you may have a right to money damages for your medical expenses, lost work, and long-term care. For a consultation on your possible toxic exposure lawsuit in South Carolina, contact the compassionate, experienced Columbia workplace injury attorneys at Peake & Fowler at 803-788-4370.