Construction workers are always exposed to all kinds of risks. According to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), one in ten construction workers is injured each year. Among these constant dangers are slips and falls, getting caught between two heavy objects, falls from great heights, malfunctioning tools, and in some cases, exposure to toxic chemicals that can have harmful short- and long-term health effects.
If you are suffering health problems after being exposed to toxic chemicals at a construction site, you should probably look for the best construction accident attonrey in Los Angeles to get the workers’ compensation benefits you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages during your recovery, etc.
C&B Law Group is a Los Angeles workers’ compensation law firm that has helped hundreds of workers receive the maximum compensation possible for their injuries so they can regain control of their lives. Their record of success speaks for itself; this law firm has secured over $7 million for their clients in the last year alone. Furthermore, they offer a completely free initial consultations. Contact them now, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Common Chemicals found in construction sites
All construction sites contain various types of toxic chemicals. However, many employers don’t do enough to protect their workers from the effects of these substances. Some of the most common toxic chemicals found on construction sites are:
- Asbestos
- Carbon Monoxide
- Gasoline
- Formaldehyde
- Paints
- Pesticide
- Industrial Cleaners
These and other chemicals may be present as liquids, vapors or gases, and may even be odorless, making them incredibly difficult to detect.
How do chemicals enter the body?
Toxins can have all kinds of harmful effects, depending on the type of contact. Chemicals can come into contact with the body in different ways, such as:
Skin exposure
This is the main form of contact with toxic chemicals, and can occur in two ways: through direct contact, causing superficial lesions such as irritations; or by dermal absorption, entering through the skin and possibly causing more severe internal lesions.
Inhalation
Prolonged or frequent inhalation of certain chemicals can have harmful health effects. In some cases, brief inhalation of some toxins can be extremely dangerous or deadly.
Ingestion
This type of exposure occurs when the worker consumes food or beverages that have been exposed to toxic chemicals in some way.
Injection
Finally, workers may come into contact with toxic chemicals through a sharp surface, which introduces the toxins directly into the body after a laceration or perforation.
Types of Illnesses Caused by Toxic Exposure
Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause extremely serious injuries and illnesses, including
- Allergic reactions
- Cancer
- Asbestosis
- Black Lung Disease
- Radiation Poisoning
- Neurological damage
- Dermatitis
- Silicosis
- Endocrine Disruption
- Reproductive damage
How employers can protect their workers
Worker safety is a direct responsibility of the employer. Ideally, companies should follow guidelines established by OSHA to avoid injuries linked to toxic chemical exposure. Some of the recommended practices to protect workers from harmful substances are:
- Provide all necessary safety equipment, such as masks, helmets, gloves, protective suits, etc.
- Be transparent about the toxic hazards present in the workplace. Employees must be aware of the risks they face at all times.
- Train workers in the correct handling of dangerous substances, to minimize accidents in the workplace.
- Comply with airborne chemical limits established by OSHA.
What to do if you were exposed to Toxic Chemicals
If you think your health has been affected by exposure to toxic chemicals at a construction site, the first thing you should do is see a doctor to assess your condition and treat your injuries and illnesses.
Then, your best bet is to work with one of the best construction accident lawyers in Los Angeles to increase your chances of receiving the maximum compensation possible for your case.
C&B Law Group, a workers’ compensation law firm, has an exciting philosophy: “No fees unless you win”. That means you can rely on the legal services of one of the best construction accident lawyers in Los Angeles without having to pay a penny out of your pocket. Don’t miss this chance, contact them now.
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