Jobs with High Risk of Occupational Illnesses - St. Louis Work Comp

By James M. Hoffmann  Sep. 8, 2016 1:46p

Workers in many industries are exposed to harmful substances that can cause occupational diseases. Exposure to toxic chemicals, fumes and dust are some of the common causes of a number of occupational diseases. According to some studies conducted, 4-10 percent of all cancers are caused due hazardous work environments. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than 13 million American workers are exposed to harmful chemicals at the workplace.

Oftentimes, these workers are not even aware that their work environment is hazardous to their health. It is essential that all workers are aware of the health hazards that their work can expose them to. Recognizing the symptoms early can help in prevention and / or immediate medication that can help save lives. In this post, the St. Charles worker injury lawyers at our law office will list jobs with high risk of occupational illnesses.

Jobs and industries that expose workers to hazardous environments

Miners

Miners drill the earth. This drilling creates harmful dust, especially silica dust that can cause a number of respiratory disorders like silicosis (an incurable lung disease), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Coal miners are at a risk of develop black lung disease wherein scarring of the lung, difficulty in breathing and death can occur.

Construction workers

Construction workers are exposed to a wide range of health hazards. Working with a number of chemicals, cement, wood, sand, metals, etc. they face the maximum number of health risks. Allergies, respiratory disorders and skin and lung cancers caused due to inhaling dust, chemical fumes arising from solvents, paints, insulation and molten metals that can act as irritants to the respiratory tract and the skin, and asbestos exposure that can cause a cancer of the lung called mesothelioma.

Welders

Welders work with molten metals. A number of metals when melted emit toxic fumes that can lead to COPD and cancer of the lungs, the larynx, and the urinary tract. Welders are also exposed to manganese fumes that can lead to health problems.

Farm workers

Workers engaged in handling harvested crops are at risks of contracting allergies like Farmers Lung from mould spores and bacteria that are found in crops like hay. Worker working in cotton, flax or hemp farms can contract the brown lung disease. These allergies and diseases, if left untreated, can progress to serious lung diseases and permanent damage to the lungs. Those working near crops that are fermented in a silo, can contract Silo Fillers diseases that can be immediately fatal.

Diesel fume exposure

Worker are exposed to diesel fumes from diesel-run machines in enclosed spaces like mines, tunnels, garages, etc. exposure to diesel fumes causes respiratory and heart diseases.

Exposure to noise

Exposure to high levels of noise can cause hearing problems like tinnitus and loss of hearing.

Exposure to nylon fibres

Workers in the carpet and blanket making industries are exposed to small nylon fibres called ‘flock’. These can cause a number of respiratory disorders.

Aerospace industry workers

Workers in the aerospace industry are exposed to Beryllium, a lightweight metal used in making missiles, spacecraft’s and airplanes. If absorbed in the skin, it can cause irritation and if it is inhaled it can cause a fatal lung disease called berylliosis.

Workers in the flavoring and popcorn industry

According to the CDC the artificial flavouring industries and industries that make cake mixes, butter frosting, margarine, etc. expose workers to over a thousand hazardous ingredients that can cause diseases like Popcorn lung and skin irritations.

Filing for St. Louis workers compensation

Workers in these industries can claim Missouri workers compensation benefits if they contract any diseases due to their hazardous work environments. It is important to speak with a workers compensation attorney ASAP to ensure that you recieve ALL of the benefits you are entitled to. Call our experienced attorneys 24/7 at (314) 361-4300 to schedule a free case evaluation.