Negligent Healthcare Professionals

Negligent Healthcare Professionals

There is a wide range of work activities that can increase the likelihood of developing Medical Negligence. These are generally activities that are carried out in the presence of certain allergens or irritants.

Medical Negligence can be caused by numerous substances and in a wide variety of workplace environments – the list below simply mentions some of the more common examples and is not intended to be exhaustive. If you feel that you may have developed asthma as a result of your work environment then you should contact us even if none of the examples below are directly relevant to your own employment.

Working with Chemicals

Anyone who regularly works with chemicals has an increased potential to develop occupational asthma due to the way in which certain chemicals can escape into the environment, either as a gas or in the form of dust particles. Some particles can be very small – such as isocyanates which are commonly used in the production of rubber, whereas others can be much larger – such as cereal dust or flour. Whether producing or mixing chemicals or using them to coat other objects, the likelihood of some particles or vapours escaping in to the air and subsequently being inhaled can increase the chances of developing asthma alongside other respiratory issues.

Working with Animals

In addition to the risks posed by working with chemicals, people who work with animals are at a higher risk than some others due to the likelihood of them inhaling dander from the animals. Dander is made up of tiny particles of skin which has been shed by any animal with fur or feathers – almost all kinds of animals produce dander; it is similar in a way to dandruff, but the particles can be significantly smaller and hence can remain airborne for longer periods of time, increasing the risk of them being inhaled by those working in their presence.

Working with plants

We know that some plants can cause irritation to many people, just think about stinging nettles, but there are also a lot of plants from which the pollen can cause issues. People who suffer from conditions such as Hay Fever can be at an increased risk from pollen and dust produced by some plants, whether they are being dealt with in their natural form – such as those working in agriculture or horticulture, or when they have been processed into foods or solid materials such as wood. Sawing and sanding certain types of wood can release small dust particles into the air which can then be inhaled. Some plants have a propensity to develop mould, either on their surface or within their structures and the spores from this mould can sometimes become airborne, causing problems when they are inhaled.

Smoking

While smoking is not necessarily a direct cause of asthma, smokers are at a higher likelihood of developing respiratory issues due to the damage caused to the lungs by the frequent inhalation of smoke. This can reduce the lungs’ capacity to deal with irritants and allergens in the environment.