Workplace Toxic Chemical Exposure in Minnesota | Minneapolis Injury Compensation

Many individuals who work in the manufacturing or production industries work alongside some toxic substances. Your employer is required by law to provide workers with information about the substances they work near or come in contact with on a daily basis. The right to know what substances a worker comes in contact with in the workplace was established by the 1983 passing of the Employee Right To Know (ERTK) Act.

Not only are employees supposed to know what toxic chemicals are in their workplace, but the act also requires the employers develop safe handling practices and that employees are trained and regularly retrained on safe handling and emergency protocols. So while these protection strategies are in place, thousands of Minnesota workers are injured by toxic substances each year. Below, we take a look at some of the common types of hazardous chemicals in the workplace, and how you can earn compensation for your injuries.

Common Toxic Chemicals in the Workplace

Some common chemicals that employers need to have safety plans in place for may include:

Acids
Asbestos
Benzene
Carbon Monoxide
Lead
Mercury
Pesticides
Solvents

These chemicals can be dangerous in the workplace because some of them can cause injuries even if they don’t come in direct contact with skin. Fumes from some of these substances can cause lung or nerve injuries, while contact to the skin can cause burns and rashes.

Compensation For Toxic Exposure in the Workplace

If you or your co-workers have been injured at work because of exposure to toxic substances, you have the right to pursue compensation. You do not need to prove that your employer acted negligently in order to receive benefits, you only need to prove that the injury occurred while you were on-the-clock or performing work duties.

If you are injured by toxic substances at work, the first thing you should do is seek medical care. Whether that involves following accident protocol or heading to a doctor, have the injury assessed and treated. From there, report the accident to your supervisor and get the contact information of any coworkers or witnesses who can give a description of the accident.

Finally, make sure that you consult with an injury lawyer before filing any paperwork or signing any documents given to you by your employer. This injury can have lifelong consequences, so ensure that you are compensated fairly. The best way to do that is by hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer who will put together a strong case to prove that you are entitled to a significant injury award.

Dean Margolis has helped numerous workers who have been injured by toxic chemical exposure in the workplace, and he can help you in your time of need. To learn more about the services he provides, or to see if he believes you have a valid claim to compensation, reach out to his office at (952) 230-2700.