Every year in California, we see workman’s compensation claims that stem from traumatic injuries, accidents, and even accumulative physical strain. But what about the more subtle effects that can harm employees over time? Let’s take a look at toxic exposure in the workplace and what it means for you as an employee.
If we are reviewing the most common workman’s compensation claims in a normal year, we will typically see a couple of “usual suspects” at the top of the list. It seems most claims are classified under “falls, being struck by an object, electrocution or being caught in between machinery.” And this makes a lot of sense. These are traumatic, most likely widely witnessed injuries. They attract the attention of both coworkers and management, and they get addressed quickly. These kinds of accidents are disruptive to the work environment and, in many instances, extremely dangerous to those injured.
But let’s say you did not suffer a large-scale injury on a given day. Imagine instead that you wake up one morning and have trouble breathing, or you’re facing a strange skin reaction or, even more disastrously, you are experiencing neurological effects.
The first questions that will come up with your doctors will go as follows: What have you been exposed to? How long have you been around it? Where do we go from here?
Here are some things to keep in mind if you find you are suffering from workplace-related toxic exposure:
Contact a Professional as Soon as Possible
If you have experienced symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, skin irritations or rashes, fertility problems, and/or memory or cognitive issues, first get in touch with a medical professional. Hang on to your test results and keep in touch with your care provider. If there is any evidence that these effects resulted from your work environment, engage the services of attorneys who are well versed in workman’s compensation claims.
Know Your Rights
As a worker in California, it is your right to be fully informed about any kind of poisonous, toxic, or harmful materials that you may be exposed to in the course of your work. It is also mandatory that you are completely educated about safe practices and procedures on how to handle these situations. If you do develop adverse reactions to anything you have encountered on the job, make sure you were legitimately advised on how to safely perform your job in those conditions.
Know Your Employer’s Responsibilities
While you may have been keeping track of any potentially harmful substances on the job, that is not the only required observation. Your employer should have also been recording, measuring, and analyzing any toxic exposure encountered by any of its employees. This includes routine physicals, research, and employment records. For instances where carcinogens may in any way be involved, in the state of California, this carries additional requirements.
In any event, where your well-being is compromised, it is important to act fast. As soon as you suspect your workplace as the cause of your medical issues, seek professional legal and medical help. Look out for yourself, and don’t suffer in silence!
blogs
Five Apps Every Trucker Should Have
Driving a tractor trailer or any other large vehicle isn’t just about long hours, lots of miles and making sure you’re still driving safely after those lengthy days. It’s a lifestyle, and like any other connected lifestyle in the 21st century, there are plenty of apps to go around designed to help make a truck […]
Personal Injury – Why You Should Never Wait
We’ve all been told to “walk it off” before. Whether it’s for a pain, injury or just not feeling well, a lot of people will be there to tell you it’s probably nothing. And while it is important to keep a positive mindset, you should also pay attention to your body and not push yourself […]
Bicycle Safety in California
In a lot of ways, California is known as the driving capital of America, if not the world. Where else are so many people absolutely defined by their vehicles, their routes to work, and even their carbon footprint for transportation? The state requires some of the most stringent emission requirements across the nation and is […]
Introducing MADD
As it says on their website, “the mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.” And these mothers and their supporters work tirelessly to improve policy and law-making, and they are a force to be reckoned […]
Bicycle Safety Tips
Bicycling might be the true essence of freedom in transportation. No dependence on anyone to get around except yourself, no motor to make you drive out of control, and you can park your bike just about anywhere. Still, safety while riding a bicycle is just as important as with any other mode of transportation, especially […]
What to Look for When Hiring an Attorney
In Arizona and California, two big car cultures on the grow, you’re statistically more likely to be involved in some sort of motor vehicle accident or have some other legal concerns surrounding your automobile. Other injuries, like dog bites and slip and falls, are all-too common, and can be difficult to navigate with some kind […]
Common Causes of Car Accidents – and Ways to Avoid Them
Car accidents are an increasingly common source of injuries and loss of property and life. Every year, there are estimated to be over six million car accidents, in the US alone. We drive everywhere, and even short distances pose a hazard to drivers, as well as pedestrians and people on bicycles. The loss of property […]
Tesla’s Brilliance in the Automobile Industry
Tesla Incorporation, founded by Elon Musk, is taking over the automobile industry with its emphasis on sustainable energy by manufacturing high-end electric vehicles. The company is known for its manufacture of high-end vehicles that are designed for speed and endurance. Below are a few ways Tesla and their brilliance with Elon Musk set the auto […]
Defensive Driving During a Summer of Distracted Drivers
With warm weather, we’re all trying to relax as best we can, wherever we can. Unfortunately, some people can take this a little too far, and find themselves incredibly distracted when in the driver’s seat. Not only that, but with heat exhaustion a possibility, some drivers could be making even worse decisions. It’s your job […]
Lemon Laws for Defective Hyundai Vehicles in California
If your newly acquired or leased Hyundai car has repeated problems that require repair, the vehicle manufacturer or its licensed representative owes you a refund, repair, or replacement. If you wind up with a lemon car and the manufacturer is not willing to take care of the vehicle, you will need to seek the counsel […]
contact form
