You have the right to work at a safe workplace. If you are working somewhere that has dangerous toxins, your employer is required to tell you. But sometimes you don’t realize until it’s too late that you’ve had toxic exposure at your workplace. If you work with dangerous toxins, or feel you have already had toxic exposure at work, here are some tips on what to do:
- Ask your employer for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): If you are working with dangerous toxins, your employer should give you a MSDS, which provides you and emergency personnel with information on how to handle a particular substance—such as physical data, toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment and spill and leak procedures.
- Look for warning labels or signs: Toxins should be labeled so that you know you need to use precautions when handling them. Also, your employer should post warning signs in areas with poor ventilation or where toxins are present.
- Take preventative measures: Ask your employer if you can use another type of product that is less dangerous. Also, try to keep toxic chemicals isolated and in an area with good ventilation, so there is less chance you will have to interact with them. Wear protective gear such as a ventilator mask or protective clothing if you have to get close to toxic materials.
- Seek medical help immediately: If you have already been exposed to a dangerous toxin at work, you should seek medical help as soon as possible, and alert your workplace so that others can avoid coming into contact with the chemical too.
- Contact a personal injury attorney: If you have been injured by toxic substance at work due to the negligence of your employer, you should contact a personal injury attorney. You deserve compensation for your medical bills, missed work and emotional trauma.
The personal injury attorneys at Crowe, Arnold & Majors, LLP have years of experience getting those injured at work the justice they deserve. If you or a loved one have suffered a workplace injury, contact us today and set-up your free, no-obligation consultation.
