The Health and Safety Executive is launching a new initiative targeting the construction industry across the country with a specific focus on the dangers of site dust.
While construction sites are notoriously dangerous in terms of accidents such as slips, trips, falls from height and other significant workplace injuries, as yet there has been very little focus on another area of the industry that causes around 100 times more deaths than construction accidents.
The HSE’s chief inspector of construction, Peter Baker, said: “Annually, work-related cancers, mainly linked to asbestos and silica, are estimated to kill 3,500 people from the industry. Thousands of others suffer life-changing illnesses from their work. Not all lung diseases take years to develop. Some, like acute silicosis or occupational asthma, can occur more quickly.”
By increasing awareness of the potential dangers of construction site dust it is hoped that companies will take the matter seriously and ensure suitable protective measures are put in place to reduce the detrimental effects.
Medical Negligence is caused by workplace exposure to certain dusts or chemicals and takes one of two forms: Irritant induced Medical Negligence which usually arises after a single, high-dose exposure to a chemical irritant – such as a chemical leak or explosion, and Allergic Medical Negligence which is caused by sensitisation to a specific chemical, sometimes over a long period of time. There is a range of professions that are more likely to suffer from occupational asthma, with construction and demolition counted as high-risk occupations.
If you or someone you care for has been affected by asthma or any other lung condition as a result of your workplace, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Employers have a duty to ensure the health and welfare of their employees and making sure that the air they breathe is safe falls within that responsibility. While certain work situations can make this more challenging, suitable personal protective equipment, appropriate ventilation and procedures can all reduce the risk of employees developing lung and breathing issues.
Our solicitors have many years of experience in handling claims involving occupational asthma and other work-related illnesses and we’ll swiftly be able to establish whether you have a suitable case and if so, how much your claim could be worth. Contact us today and let us help you get the pay-out you and your family deserve.