Toxic Fumes, Chemicals: An Often Overlooked Risk Among Construction Workers
When most people think of construction accidents and risks, they think of falls, of equipment injuries, and other mechanical or physical accidents. Rarely do people think first of chemical exposure accidents. But, in many construction jobs, exposure to potentially toxic chemicals is common, and the risk of suffering a burn or exposure accident as a result is very real.
When you work in production, chemical exposure is a given. But construction workers often overlook the risks they face when working around things like carbon monoxide, asbestos, welding gases, and more. Any one of these things could go from inert and harmless (when identified and handled appropriately) to highly dangerous and even deadly.
A West Seneca foods plant was recently fined more than $50,000 by OSHA for hazardous chemical violations. Extremely stringent safety protocol was not followed in handling their frozen food production, including the release of small amounts of anhydrous ammonia. While the workers there may have been unaware of the problems, the potential for a serious accident was imminent, according to OSHA.
“One method of enhancing workers’ safety is developing and maintaining an effective illness and injury prevention program in which management and employees work together to identify and prevent hazardous conditions,” said OSHA’s regional administrator Robert Kulick.
In order for workers to identify the possible risk, they must be aware of its presence. For construction workers, this means always being aware of the chemicals you bring to the job site as part of your arsenal of equipment, as well as those chemicals that are already there.
Often, construction work is done on existing structures. You may have a job adding on to a manufacturing plant, for instance, or might work putting a new roof on a power plant or other such facility. In both cases, though you may not have chemicals with you, you are put at risk by what is already at the site. On sites like this, your employer and the property owner have a responsibility to make you aware of the potential risks and prevent chemical spills or other similar accidents from happening.
Ginarte, Construction Accident Lawyers
When you are hurt on the job, whether from a fall or a chemical spill, you have rights. The New York and New Jersey construction accident lawyers of Ginarte may be able to help. Contact our offices today to discuss your case and your legal options. We can be reached for a free consultation at 888-GINARTE.
