People are constantly surrounded by dangerous chemicals on a daily basis. Even when you’re filling your gas tank, you’re exposed to low levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. Certain workplaces are also well known for exposing workers to harmful chemicals, such as chemical manufacturing plants, mines, and even hospitals. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set guidelines regarding how much of a toxic chemical a worker can be exposed to and for how long. After all, in order to produce something like a cleaning solution, people are still required to work in the manufacturing plants that make them.
Acceptable Levels
Employers are required by law to identify and evaluate the hazards of their businesses. For example, only a certain amount of airborne concentration of various chemicals is allowed in workplaces. OSHA has a particular formula that employers can use to determine how much of a substance an employee can be exposed to by air. The cumulative exposure formula for an 8-hour work shift looks like this:
E = (Ca Ta+Cb Tb+. . .Cn Tn)÷8
Likewise, employers are required to label toxic substances and provide their employees with safety education about the care and handling of various chemicals.
Filing a Compensation Claim
You are still eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim regardless of whether or not your employer took precautions. Workers’ comp recovery is not based on fault, meaning your business may not have been negligent in order for you to file for compensation. All that you need to file a claim is proof that you were exposed to a dangerous chemical in the course of your employment and that exposure led to illness or bodily harm.
If you were harmed by exposure to a toxic chemical, see your doctor as soon as possible. Your treatment and medical diagnosis will assist you in getting your compensation. However, if your employer’s insurance company rejects your claim, you will need to see an excellent Chicago workers’ compensation attorney. Our attorneys at Leonard Law group have handled more than 7,750 claims with great success. We are dedicated to ensuring that your needs are met. Contact us at (312) 487-2513 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us get you the compensation you deserve.