Jul 2, 2018

4 Main Causes of Occupational Diseases

Occupational diseases result from prolonged exposure to harmful substances at your workplace. They develop gradually over time, and may not be immediately apparent. If you start to notice symptoms of an occupational disease, it is important to tell your employer and see a doctor as soon as possible. Common types of occupational illnesses include hearing loss or vision damage, cancer, viruses, brain damage, asbestos, and lung disease. If you have suffered an occupational disease, you only have 30 days to report the illness to your employer from the date you discover it.

There Are 4 Main Causes of Occupational Diseases:

1. Physical Agents

Physical agents include:

  • Excessively loud noises
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Lasers
  • Flammable liquids or solids
  • Strong vibrations
  • Optical radiation
  • Explosives

Prolonged exposure to physical agents could cause hearing loss, eyesight damage, muscle and joint damage, skin conditions, burns, and other serious diseases. It is important to wear proper safety gear, and to take regular rest breaks. Furthermore, having the proper safety training in how to handle these agents is important. If you work in a loud environment, or you work with vibrating machines, you could be at risk for developing an occupational disease.

2. Chemical Agents

Chemical agents include:

  • Pesticides
  • Ammonia
  • Chlorine
  • Hexane
  • Latex
  • Arsenic
  • Mercury

Certain industrial and manufacturing jobs may require you to handle dangerous chemicals on a daily basis. Without proper safety training and protective equipment, you may suffer toxic exposure, which could lead to devastating illnesses. Internal organ damage, brain damage, lung conditions, and skin conditions could result from prolonged exposure to harsh or corrosive chemicals.

3. Cancer-Causing Agents

Cancer-causing agents include:

  • Asbestos
  • Coal tars
  • Nickel compounds
  • Wood dust
  • Ionizing radiation
  • Soot

Prolonged exposure to these substances could cause life-threatening cancer. Cancer of the lungs could result from breathing in toxins, and cancer of the organs, skin, or other parts of the body could be caused by direct contact with these agents. Thus, it is essential to wear proper safety gear and follow necessary protocols to increase your safety. If your employer fails to warn you of the risks of these materials, or does not provide adequate protection, he or she may be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit.

4. Biological Agents

Biological agents include:

  • Hepatitis virus
  • Tetanus
  • Parasitic diseases
  • Anthrax
  • Infectious diseases
  • Tuberculosis

Without proper safety protocols and equipment, employees could be at risk for developing serious diseases. Workers in the healthcare industry are at high risk for developing occupational illnesses from biological agents. Employers need to take extra precautions to prevent exposure to biological agents in the workplace.

If You Have Suffered an Occupational Illness, Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Is Here to Help.

At Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, we provide aggressive and compassionate representation to clients who have suffered diseases and injuries at work. We understand that you are going through a difficult time. With the help of our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers, you can pursue the settlement you need to recover and move forward. We will gather evidence to build your case and represent you tenaciously throughout the process.

Contact us today to receive a free initial consultation.