Industrial Diseases
Workplaces are much safer places than they used to be with the introduction of much more employee friendly Health and Safety practices. And while the legislation is in favour of the employee that's not to say that some jobs aren't dangerous by nature. Even with the best safety equipment, mine workers and dockyard workers (amongst many other professions) are hurt and/or killed every year.
However, there are some conditions from working in those industries, in the past, have been less obvious to employers and employees alike, including:
- Older mine workers who have developed pneumoconiosis (also known as black lung disease) as a result of their every day work
- Pneumatic machinery, a lot of workers developed Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS (also known as Vibration White Finger)
Often these conditions never developed until after they left working in the mines or the mines were closed down.
In a similar fashion, dockyard workers worked on ships for months, sometimes years on end, while refitting ships in dock. They would be exposed to loud noises all throughout the day as well as asbestos from the old ship fittings. The loud noises often caused noise induced hearing loss but more severely: asbestos exposure can be fatal.
As a result of these cases, a lot of Health and Safety legislation was brought in to protect the employee more. And as a result of that, these workers were deemed to be worthy of compensation.
Industrial Diseases And Employers
Many industrial diseases develop over time and it is often not until someone has left an employer that they are diagnosed with a work related illness. In some cases however, the person may still be working for the same employer and we understand that this can cause tension and needs to be dealt with sensitively. Some clients are contractors and therefore are self employed; we are experienced with dealing in all of these issues in an organised but sympathetic way, with our expertise we ensure we get the right results for you.
If you think you have been exposed to, or are in unnecessary risk, of industrial disease then call us now on Tel:0800 021 7759 to speak with one of our employment specialists and we'll see how we can help you!
Make a Claim
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No Fee*
* Subject to insurance.
Other costs may be payable
