Occupational diseases are workplace illnesses that can occur as a by-product of working in a specific field. Not all jobs expose their employees to conditions that create illnesses. In order to get a better understanding of what constitutes an occupational disease, let’s look into common jobs that are at most risk for such illnesses.
Construction work
If you work in any kind of construction job then you know that there isn’t a day that goes by where your skin isn’t covered in some kind of chemical or dirt. Construction workers use machinery that can break through heavy rock or buildings which creates dust to accumulate. Without proper safety precautions or up to date equipment, construction workers can be exposed to some pretty terrible things that can cause hearing impairment or musculoskeletal disorders.
Hairdressers
Working as a hairdresser means that your fingers are constantly working with chemicals from shampoos, hair dyes, and hair sprays or gels. These harsh chemicals can make hairdressers more susceptible to eczema or other skin diseases. And, because hairdressers work so much with their hands, they are also susceptible to arthritis.
Health Care Workers
Health care workers are constantly exposed to various patients and blood work. Their occupational diseases are more chronic and severe like HIV or hepatitis B and C. Health care workers are more than just doctors or nurses. They also include dentists, those who care for the elderly, and hospital staff. There are also dangers for specialists who work with x-rays or other radiation type health care.
Manufactory Workers
Depending on your industry, occupational diseases can vary. If you work within the paint industry then you exposed to toxic chemicals that can result in throat cancers or encephalopathy (brain diseases) which can cause acute headaches, nausea, dizziness, and loss of coordination. If you work within the plastic industry then you may deal with asthma from dust or hearing impairment from the loud machines around you.
Occupational Diseases can be avoided if workers are provided with the right equipment, educational resources on safety, and overall good work ethic. Unfortunately, employers are not always willing to provide these safety precautions. Not all employers care to do this and the workers always pay the price. Our Lancaster Workplace Illness Attorneys at Kozsdin, Fields & Sherry want to listen to your story. We have over 60 year’s worth of experience and resources working with clients who suffer from workplace illnesses. We can help you get a better understanding of your illness constitutes an occupational disease and how to best start a workplace illness claim. By reaching out to us, we can better assist you in how to best document and provide the evidence needed to ensure that your claim doesn’t get denied or fall on deaf ears. We are here to work for you when others have stopped. Call 818-812-5639 or click here to start your journey with us today. Our Lancaster Workplace Illness Attorneys are ready to be strong for you while you focus on you.
