If there are dangerous chemicals or toxins in your Minnesota workplace, your employer is obligated to make sure you are provided with information regarding possible hazards and that you understand the information that is given. Safety should always be a top priority, and employers must take their responsibility to keep workers safe seriously. Hazardous chemicals in your workplace must be clearly labeled. If suffer injuries due to exposure to toxins on the job, it is important to seek medical treatment right away.
Some chemicals place you at risk for injuries due to topical exposure, meaning that a hazardous material comes in contact with your clothing or skin. Depending on the type of work you do, you may also be at risk for respiratory hazards, especially if there is asbestos in your workplace. Inhaling microscopic fibers or toxins may cause serious, long-term (perhaps, even fatal) illness, such as certain incurable malignancies.
OSHA sets permissible exposure limits
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) governs safety issues in the workplace. In the construction industry, as well as shipyards and other workplaces, OSHA often sets Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs). Many safety advocates have made it known that a great number of PELs are outdated and that there are many toxins and chemicals or hazards for which no PELs exist. In certain environments, OSHA might require respiratory equipment to reduce the risk of toxic exposure in the workplace.
Did your employer fail in the duty to keep you safe?
You can expect your Minnesota employer to adhere to all accepted safety standards, as well as state and federal regulations whose purpose is to reduce hazards on the job. If you suffer an occupational disease, such as asbestosis, cancer, repetitive strain injuries or other adverse health condition, you will want to learn as much as you can about the workers’ compensation program, as well as third party (personal injury) claims.
Getting treatment for an occupational disease
It is imperative to receive extensive medical care and to utilize all available resources to assist you during recovery. You might have to take time off work, especially if you wind up in the hospital. In some cases, you might not be able to return to work at all, which can spur a whole host of other problems, such as undue financial strain.
While recuperating at home, a visiting nurse might play a key role in your post-accident care. You might also need physical therapy. Such care is expensive and you shouldn’t have to bear the full burden if you were not fully responsible for your injuries that occurred because of chemical or toxic exposure in the workplace.