By Arnab Dey
We all know that laborers have to face toxic exposure at the construction site.
Construction work often exposes construction workers to hazardous substances such as asbestos, lead paint, diesel fuel fumes, and chemical solvents.
Signs of dizziness, skin burn, or shortness of breath can be indicative of toxic exposure—these are serious health conditions.
If you are suffering from toxic exposure at a construction site, there is a need to take prompt action. Report immediately to the physician and notify the employer of the incident.
Record all the signs, site conditions, and discussions thereto so that they are conveniently available when needed.
How Are Construction Workers Exposed To Toxic Chemicals?
There are multiple ways construction workers are exposed to a variety of toxic chemicals, a few of these toxic chemicals and substances are;
- Solvents
- Insulations Materials
- Pesticides
- Gasoline Fumes
- Carbon Monoxide
- Glues
- Paints
- Acids
- Hot tar
- Industrial Cleaning Agents
The type of work that requires workers to remove or install insulation, solder, weld, lay cement or concrete, mix, use vanish remover, or use paint is highly at risk.
Here is a list of some of the toxic chemicals that can impact the health of a construction worker.
- Arsenic – It is used in many wood items for preservation.
- Asbestos – It is used for insulation products such as bricks and tiles.
- Beryllium – It is used as an alloy for substances like copper. Since Beryllium is highly toxic, it is regulated by the OSHA.
- Cadmium – The chemical is used to prevent rust on steel products on construction sites.
- Formaldehyde – Commonly used on wooden products.
- Hydrocarbons – The chemical is used for degreasing and cleaning.
- Zinc – It is used for metal manufacturing and poses a danger for workers if the metal is cut and welded for construction.
- Manganese – It is seen on welding rods, producing toxic fumes.
- Mercury – It is used in some paints and rust-proof coatings. When heated, it releases harmful mercury fumes.
- Iron Oxide – It is used for welding steel products that release iron oxide fumes.
- Lead – It is used in some paints that are lead-based; the lead is present in metal alloys.
- Silica – It is contained in tiles, sand, and stones.
10 Steps To Take If You’re Experiencing Toxic Exposure At A Construction Site
In the event that such an accident occurs, it is important to know what to do in an emergency like that.
Not only is it gonna reduce the degree of harm that could be created by the accident, but it can also prevent future accidents.
- Report any failures in ventilation, leaks, and spills immediately.
- Immediately report the situation to the people who are responsible for handling such emergencies.
- Evacuate the area immediately if you have not done any training in handling the problem.
- Alerts others in the area and calls for help from emergency services.
- Follow or read certain first aid directions for those exposed to chemicals.
- At the nearest station, administer first aid immediately.
- For decontamination, find a safety shower or an eyewash station.
- With a large quantity of water, flood the contaminated area.
- After the flood, don’t go back to the area until you can handle the emergency on your own.
- For future preparation, practice what to do in such emergencies.
What To Do After Suspecting Toxic Exposure At A Construction Site?
If you suspect that you are facing toxic exposure at a construction site, then you should go to the doctor right away. But here are a few things that you should do right away.
1. Inform The Doctor Immediately
Your health is more important. Whenever you suspect that you have been subjected to poisonous chemicals or dangerous substances on a construction site, don’t let the symptoms advance; go immediately to a medical center.
Go to a hospital or occupational health clinic and freely inform them of your workplace, including chemicals you have been exposed to.
Be sure to report the symptoms correctly so doctors will get the right tests ordered. Make duplicates of all medical records, including lab tests and diagnoses.
Even if you feel okay at first, some toxic exposures have delayed effects and will ultimately cause damage later on if not treated immediately.
2. Inform Your Employer Of The Exposure
The moment you feel that you have been exposed to poisons, notify your supervisor or site manager. This benefits not only your health and legal protection, but also helps avoid exposure to others.
Provide a written account of what happened, what symptoms you are having, and the material you believe caused the exposure. Ask for a copy of the report to put in your files.
If your workplace has a safety officer or environmental health representative, be sure to inform them as well so that the proper safety measures can be taken.
3. Document Everything
Proper documentation is crucial when dealing with toxic exposure. Get down the exact time, date, and location where the incident took place.
If possible, take a picture or make a video of the dangerous substance, labels, containers, or whatever, unsafe conditions, like poor ventilation or ruptured pipes. Document all symptoms you’re experiencing and when they started.
Also, interview any co-workers who saw what occurred or are experiencing similar symptoms, and get their contact information or written statements. These facts can be useful if you must make a claim or appear in court in the future.
4. Claim Workers’ Compensation
If exposure happens during the time that you were engaging in work-related activities, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
This coverage may include medical expenses, lost wages, and any type of rehabilitation that you require. Inform your employer and your state’s workers’ comp board at once and file a claim.
Ensure that all the medical records and a proper description of the accident. Deadlines for filing vary in each state, so don’t procrastinate. Obtain follow-up action to ensure your claim is handled correctly and in a timely manner.
5. Pursue A Toxic Tort Or Third-Party Lawsuit
In such situations, however, the individual who causes the exposure may be someone besides your employer.
Such as a defective safety equipment supplier or a subcontractor who improperly handled chemicals. In such a situation, you might have the right to bring a toxic tort or third-party action.
These types of cases can result in compensation greater than workers’ comp pays, such as money for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term medical bills.
An experienced lawyer can determine whether negligence, faulty equipment, or safety policies were involved.
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