Chemical Injuries in the Workplace

Chemical injuries in the workplace can involve harm sustained because of exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Chemical inhalation can lead to serious lung infections and disease. This unseen hazard can be deadly if unnoticed and it is the legal responsibility of your employer to ensure your working conditions are up to the standards set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). You are eligible to receive compensation for your chemical injuries whenever a third party contributed to your accident occurring.

According to the Health and Safety Statistics 2013/14, asbestos is the biggest risk to employees in Great Britain. Every year, approximately 13,000 residents of Great Britain die from lung disease and cancer that was the result of exposure to hazardous chemicals and dust.

Who Can Lodge Chemical Exposure in the Workplace Claims?
You are entitled to lodge a claim if you have been injured because of the negligence of a third party. It doesn’t matter if you are an employee or just visiting a business. All employers are required by the HSE to follow all health

and safety standards set out for their industry. This can include providing you with the proper safety equipment and training. Your employer must also notify you of the risks your job entails and how to mitigate your exposure to these hazards.

Causes of Chemical Injuries in The Workplace
In order to lodge a successful claim, you must first establish the cause of your chemical exposure. This may difficult because chemical exposure diseases can take years to set in. Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd can take the stress out of the claims process and gather all the relevant information you need in order to pursue your compensation goals. Below are the most common causes of chemical exposure in Scotland.

• Spillage of Noxious Substances
• Undetected Gas Leaks
• Damaged Machines
• Incorrect Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Effects of Chemical Exposure in the Workplace
There are serious health risks that must be taken into account whenever you are working with or around hazardous chemicals. Respiratory syndromes can result from exposure to harmful gases and that is why the HSE dictates that your employer must provide you with the correct personal protective Equipment (PPE). The HSE has reported that the majority of people that are currently suffering from occupational cancers or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can directly attribute their injuries to their past workplace conditions. Below are the biggest airborne killers in Scotland’s workplace.

Diesel Engine Exhaust
Diesel engine exhaust is another cancer causing chemical that is extremely dangerous when inhaled and repeated exposure to these fumes have been linked with a myriad of lung diseases. The auto industry is particularly dangerous with auto spray painters often becoming ill with asthma.

Ammonia, Bleach, and Cleaning
Ammonia is a commonly used cleaning product that produces a noxious gas that is dangerous when inhaled. This gas can create irritation in the eyes, mouth, throat, and nose after only minutes of exposure.

How Long Do I Have To Lodge My Chemical Injuries in the Workplace Claim?
You must lodge your claim within three years of the date of your accident. This is the time period you are allotted by Scottish law and a failure to lodge your claim prior to this time can result in the inability to receive compensation for your injuries. Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd can help you to lodge your claim with ease. Our expert staff will gather the evidence needed to pursue your claim effectively. Waiting to the last minute to lodge your claim is a bad idea as it makes the evidence-gathering process more difficult to complete. Witnesses and other valuable evidence may become unattainable if you too long.

Can I get Fired for Lodging a Chemical Exposure in the Workplace Claim Against My Employer?
Your employer cannot penalize you for lodging a claim against them and the law protects you against retaliatory action. Lodging a claim against your employer requires a certain amount of delicacy. Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd can help you to lodge your claim against your employer in a manner that is both professional and effective. Never feel awkward about lodging a claim against your employer even if you are friends. Remember, it is your employer’s insurer that must pay your compensation and not your employer. Moreover, your employer has been paying insurance premiums to protect them from these scenarios. If you decide to not lodge your claim, you are forfeiting any financial assistance you may need and this can leave you paying your own medical and recovery costs.

What if my Employer is no Longer in Business?
In some claims, the liable party is no longer a business entity. The Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 is designed to protect employees who have been injured at work by companies that no longer exist. The court will use the Employers’ Liability Tracing Office to determine who you previous employers insurer was. Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd can help you gather this information and guide you through the claims process.

How Claims Solutions Scotland Ltd can Help You
A claim specialist can be the smartest move you make. Our expert team can provide you with access to the timely information you need to better your claims chances of success. Your claim will be assigned a specialist who will give you a straightforward review on your compensation potential and the best strategy to follow.

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