Exposed to Toxic Chemicals at Work? You May Qualify for Workers’ Compensation

 Posted on December 13, 2021 in Workers' Compensation

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 2 million people are injured at work every year, and over 1 million people will miss work because of a workplace injury.

Most of these injuries are caused by falls, slips, and collisions. However, some incidents are much more subtle; in fact, thousands of workers suffer serious harm just breathing the air around them. The culprit? Toxic gases and chemicals.

Despite advances in safety precautions and more stringent regulations, thousands of workers suffer health complications due to chemical exposure annually. According to the National Safety Council, harmful substances were responsible for over 30,000 non-fatal injuries and over 600 fatalities.

Most Prevalent Toxic Chemicals

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most dangerous workplace chemicals (by number of fatal incidents) were:

• Carbon monoxide
• Hydrogen sulfide
• Coal, natural gas, petroleum fuels and products
• Methane gas
• Dichloromethane
• Solvents and degreasers
• Methanol
• Toluene
• Cleaning and polishing agents
• Chlorine, chlorine bleach
• Acids and alkalies
• Manure gas

Ingesting or inhaling these substances can cause serious harm, including brain damage, cancer, chemical burns, and damage to the eyes.

Qualifying for Workers’ Compensation

Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals can have serious side effects that make working regular hours difficult. Thankfully, workers’ compensation benefits provide workers financial assistance while they are away from work. Benefits may cover the cost of medical care and provide a portion of their weekly wages.

To qualify for workers’ compensation, an applicant must demonstrate that the injury is work-related and serious enough to prevent them from working.

Furthermore, if the applicant was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, they are barred from receiving benefits.

Contact a Will County Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Thankfully, injured workers have rights. The attorneys at McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC have dedicated their careers to helping workers get the financial assistance they need. We offer strong legal representation that prioritizes clients’ needs and protects their rifhts.

If you are looking for a Joliet, Illinois workers’ compensation attorney that offers personalized legal representation, contact McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC today at 815-727-0100 for a free initial consultation.

Source: 

https://www.osha.gov/chemical-hazards