You have a legal right to enjoy healthy and safety at work, and employers who fail to act appropriately to any potential problems are breaking the law and are liable to pay you damages. If you believe your chronic respiratory disease is due to an employer paying insufficient attention to the risks you face in the workplace, then contact us. You have a legal right to compensation if it is proven that this is the case.
Do not simply accept chronic respiratory disease as a cost of doing a certain job or working for a certain firm. Such problems should have been avoided and employers are under legal obligations to carry out extensive tests on potential sources of illness in the workplace and to install appropriate safeguards, mechanisms, equipment and training to avoid compromises to employees’ health and safety. Failure to do this means that respiratory problems may occur, with direct and detrimental effects on employees’ wellbeing and their capacity to work.
What in the workplace is liable to contribute to respiratory problems? There are numerous substances that individuals working in a variety of places may encounter. Fumes and smoke are two of the most obvious examples. In metal industries, the quick heating and cooling of metal results in fine particles in fumes which can enter the lungs with dangerous effects. Those working in welding, smelting and furnace work may suffer from such problems. Similar fumes can occur in rubber plants, in potters’ workshops and in plastic manufacturers, Smoke results from the burning of organic material and creates a mix of noxious gases that can create respiratory problems. Fire fighters and workers in energy producing industries may be at particular risk.
Other substances that may be in the workplace include dust from wood, cotton, asbestos and fibreglass, which will be found in manufacturing, storage and sales plants of these sorts of products. Noxious gases such as ammonia and sulphur dioxide may be found in scientific and engineering jobs in which chemical reactions are performed at high temperatures and also in welding, brazing and smelting works. Finally, vapours and solvents from paint, varnish, pesticide and even cosmetics may cause workers breathing difficulties.
If you are a worker who could be liable to encounter such substances, observe whether you have symptoms including respiratory irritation, nose and throat discomfort and more generally, flu-like symptoms that fail to clear after a few days. Noxious substances can cause bronchitis and allergies, characterised by respiratory wheezing and discomfort. Metal fume fever and polymer fume fever result from exposure to metal and polymer fumes respectively. Finally, the development of adult asthma and emphysema may also result from exposure to irritants in the air.
All of our chronic respiratory disease compensation claims are dealt with using the no win no fee scheme and damages are paid in full. If you would like to speak to a specialist solicitor you can either use the 24/7 helpline or complete the form or just email us. If after talking to us you decide not to take matters further then you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged for our advice.
