Industrial Disease

Unfortunately, it is quite common for people to develop an illness or disease after coming into contact with a harmful substance in their workplace.

If your employer has exposed you to a harmful substance and you have developed an illness or disease, then you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

In many circumstances you will be unaware you have been in contact with a harmful substance until many years later.

Who is responsible for your Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease?

It is your employer's duty to protect you from hazardous substances and hazardous situations whilst you are in work, to minimise the risks of you developing a work-related illness or disease.

For example, if your working environment is very noisy, it is your employer's duty to reduce the noise to an acceptable level or, if this is not possible, to provide you with ear defenders to prevent Industrial Deafness or Noise Induced Hearing Loss.  As long as your employer provides you with these ear defenders, it is your responsibility to wear them.

If your job brings you into contact with dangerous chemicals your employer should have already investigated the possibility of replacing the dangerous chemicals with less harmful ones and ensured that you have the minimal amount of contact with them if that is possible.  If your employer has concluded that there is no way around you working with the dangerous chemicals, they should then provide you with protective clothing and equipment to wear.  Again, it is your responsibility to wear the protective clothing once it has been provided.

Contact with asbestos can cause serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. These diseases do not affect those exposed immediately, but in later life. If you are having trouble breathing, or believe you may have an asbestos-related condition, you should visit your GP at the earliest opportunity for diagnosis.

There are many industrial disease related illnesses such as silicosis, hand arm vibration syndrome, repetitive strain injury and occupational asthma to name but a few.  If your symptoms or diagnosed illness is not mentioned call us for advice and we will confirm if you can make a claim.

If you have any questions relating to an industrial disease claim please call us on 0844 846 0499 for advice.