Since the US produces so many chemicals, it is regrettably not unusual for employees to be exposed to harmful substances. The production facilities are not the only places where people are exposed to chemicals.Countless employees are exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals in testing labs, the medical field, and other work settings. Here are steps if you are exposed.
Consult the Appropriate Lawyer
You should also discuss your rights with an attorney if you were exposed to a dangerous chemical at work. Since this is a more specialized area of law, the typical car accident attorney may be unfamiliar with the rules and laws that pertain to your claims. If you have been exposed to asbestos, for example, a California mesothelioma lawyer would be better equipped to handle your case due to their expertise in toxic tort litigation.
Notify Your Supervisor
Someone may need to cease whatever is causing the exposure, which is the first reason to inform your supervisor. To contain the dangerous chemical, it might be necessary to close a valve or take other measures.
However, the fact that you must notify your employer of your injuries in accordance with the majority of states’ worker’s compensation rules is another crucial reason to inform your supervisor. Notifying your employer in a timely manner can harm any claims you might have due to the exposure.
Obtain Medical Care
Getting the appropriate kind of treatment is crucial after being exposed to a harmful substance. Most of the time, your employer will send you to the “company doctor.” Even though this physician or clinic is not officially employed by your company, businesses like your employer frequently provide them with the majority, if not all, of their business. This may give an incentive for the medical professional to lessen the severity of your injuries.
The clinic or doctor your company first assigns you might not be the best fit for treating your injuries either. If your exposure was to fumes or vapors that can damage your lungs, you might wish to consult a pulmonologist or a dermatologist following skin exposure. Ignoring your doctor’s advice and failing to seek timely medical treatment can also cause insurance adjusters or juries to conclude you must not have been truly harmed that seriously.
Ask for Copies of the Safety Data Sheets
The OSHA Harm Communication Standard requires each hazardous chemical, maker, distributor, or importer to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) that offer information about the harm the chemical poses.
Each chemical’s characteristics, health, environmental, and physical risks, safety precautions, and protective measures are all covered in the SDS. Safe handling, storage, and transportation practices are also covered.
Obtaining the SDS is essential so that you may inform your physician of the specific exposure you experienced and receive the appropriate therapy. How and what chemical you were exposed to will determine the kind of treatment you require.
Treatment for a chemical that has come into contact with your skin will probably be different from treatment for a chemical that you have consumed, and the SDS will offer the information your healthcare providers need to decide on the best course of action for you.
Endnote
Your company is responsible for making sure you are safe at work because exposure to harmful chemicals can have long-term impacts that cannot be understated. Contact your attorney to assist you in recouping your losses if your employer exposes you to harmful chemicals excessively or jeopardizes your health and safety in any other way.
