Industrial-strength cleaners and acids are just some of the chemicals that Kentucky workers come in contact with on the job. Frequently, they are for cleaning purposes. Others may be part of a production process. Do chemical injuries form a basis for a workers’ compensation claim?
Is your company following the rules?
Your employer should receive chemicals from wholesalers or suppliers who ship the products with hazard information. Therefore, you should never handle an unknown substance out of its container. If handling the chemicals is part of your job, the supervisor has to train you on any safety procedures.
Are there better options?
Some companies keep using the same chemicals even though there are safer options. In these cases, it might be appropriate to approach the employer and suggest making a change. This is of particular importance when you’re working with carcinogens.
Dealing with the aftermath of an injury
Workers’ compensation comes into play when the chemicals you are working with lead to an injury. For example, exposure to chemicals may cause minor to severe skin injuries as well as respiratory illness. In some cases, exposure may require medical attention even after employment ends. Moreover, you may no longer be able to do the same type of job that you did before the injury.
Workers comp sees you through these situations. It helps you make ends meet and deal with the aftermath of a work-related injury. However, it’s a process that quickly becomes complicated. If you’d like to avoid confusion, it could be a good step to connect with an attorney who knows about these types of situations.