Occupational Asthma Claim

Occupational asthma is when breathing difficulties develop due to work carried out in an environment that his dangerous to your health. As with other claims, your employer has a responsibility to protect you from developing an illness and they have not done all possible to do so, they may be liable for a claim for compensation against them.

Asthma is where the sufferer's breathing is affected due to a narrowing of his or her airways. This is usually reversible over short periods of time either spontaneously or as a result of treatment. In addition, asthma attacks are frequently initiated by some kind of external irritant.

The workplace can pose many potential hazards for employees if they are not correctly maintained. Therefore there are detailed regulations in force, such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 (or COSHH), to protect workers from exposure to certain chemicals and substances that may harm them.

Types of Occupational Asthma

Unfortunately, regulations are not always followed and occasionally, environmental conditions at work can cause or encourage asthma to develop. If it can be proven that your asthma is related to conditions in your place of work, you may be entitled to claim for compensation.

Causes of occupational asthma include:

• Colophony (A resin used as a solder flux; can be problematic for those in the electronics industry)
• Enzymes (Prominent in detergent powders)
• Flour (Bakers/Bakery workers may develop problems being near it)
• Grain (Bakery and farm workers are more likely affected)
• Isocyanates (A chemical family used in foam, paint and varnish; mainly affects spray painters, mechanics and factory workers)
• Laboratory Animals (Fur/hair can create allergies within scientists and lab workers)
• Latex (Nurses and other laboratory workers can be affected when wearing latex gloves)

Making an Occupational Asthma Claim for Compensation

Those affected by occupational asthma will most likely have to take medication for the rest of their lives and they may suffer severe breathing difficulties suddenly – massively reducing their quality of life.

If you are one of the unfortunate ones that suffer from asthma as a result of your current/previous working environment then you may be entitled to make an occupational asthma claim for compensation.

If you or someone you know needs our help then call Injuries Direct on 0800 2800 979 today for free, professional advice. Alternatively, fill out our Contact form and someone will get back to you.

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