Most people think of workplace accidents as sudden injuries, like a slip-and-fall or getting hurt by machinery. But what about illnesses? Can your workplace make you sick? The answer is yes. Many jobs expose workers to conditions that can harm their health over time. From toxic chemicals to poor air quality, dangerous working environments can lead to serious illness. If you believe your job is making you sick, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Here’s how it works and what you can do if your workplace is affecting your health.
How Your Workplace Can Make You Sick
Workplace illnesses develop when employees are exposed to hazardous materials or conditions over long periods. These illnesses aren’t as immediate or visible as workplace injuries, but they can be just as harmful, if not more so. Here are a few common ways that workplaces can make you sick:
- Toxic substances: Exposure to dangerous chemicals, such as asbestos, lead, or formaldehyde, can cause serious health issues. Workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, or chemical processing are particularly at risk. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory problems, cancers, or neurological damage.
- Poor air quality: In indoor workplaces with poor ventilation, employees may breathe in harmful particles, dust, or fumes, leading to respiratory illnesses like asthma or chronic bronchitis. This is a common issue in factories, laboratories, or even office environments with inadequate air filtration systems.
- Biological hazards: Healthcare workers, laboratory staff, and others who come into contact with infectious agents like viruses or bacteria are at risk of developing diseases. From bloodborne pathogens to respiratory infections, these employees can become seriously ill from workplace exposures.
- Repetitive stress: Some illnesses, like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, result from repetitive motions. Jobs that require constant lifting, typing, or operating machinery can cause these types of long-term musculoskeletal problems.
How Workers’ Compensation Works
If you become ill due to workplace conditions, workers’ compensation can provide support. Workers’ compensation is a mandatory type of insurance carries by employers. It provides medical benefits, wage replacement, and other forms of support to injured or ill employees.
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Report the Illness: If you believe your illness is related to your work environment, report it to your employer as soon as possible. It’s important to document any symptoms and their connection to your job.
- File a Claim: Your employer should provide you with the forms necessary to file a workers’ compensation claim. Be sure to provide detailed information about your illness and how it relates to your workplace conditions.
- Seek Medical Treatment: You’ll need to see a doctor, who will assess your condition and determine whether it is work-related. Workers’ compensation covers the cost of medical treatment, so keep all your records and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Receive Benefits: If workers’ compensation approves your claim, you’ll receive wage replacement while you’re unable to work, compensation for medical expenses, and, in some cases, permanent disability benefits for illness with long-term effects.
Can Your Workplace Make You Sick?
The simple answer is yes. While we often think of workplace injuries as being sudden and accidental, illnesses can sneak up on workers over time. Even if symptoms don’t show up immediately, it’s important to be vigilant about potential hazards in your work environment.
If you believe your workplace is making you sick, you don’t have to handle it alone. Workers’ compensation laws exist to protect you and provide financial assistance for medical treatment and lost wages. However, it’s complicated navigating the workers’ compensation system, especially when it comes to proving a work-related illness.
Get Legal Help for Workplace Illnesses
If you’re dealing with a workplace illness or injury, don’t wait until your symptoms worsen. We can help you navigate the claims process, gather the evidence needed to support your case, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Shugarman & Mehring to schedule a consultation.