Industrial Disease

Pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis is the collective name for a small number of lung diseases which affect workers exposed to dusty environments over a long period of time, for example those employed in construction, mining, ship building, oil refineries and power generation.

This group of lung cancers also includes:

• Asbestosis – Affects workers who inhaled asbestos fibres working in construction, carriage and ship building and in specific trades
• Coalminer’s pneumoconiosis – Affects coal miners and some workers involved in associated industries such as coal transport and storage
• Siderosis – sometimes called ‘Welder’s Lung’ – caused by inhaling iron particles and welding flux smoke
• Kaolinosis – Kaolin is a fine white clay also referred to china clay and, is used in ceramics manufacture – as a filler or coating pigment in papermaking. Workers affected by this condition would include those who have worked in ceramics, paper making and cosmetics
• Silicosis – Workers affected by this condition are likely to have worked in glass manufacture, mining and quarrying and construction.

Other Respiratory Disease

An occupational respiratory disease is a condition leading to the loss of full lung function which can produce disability which affects your physical performance.

The symptoms of occupational respiratory disease include breathing or lung problems which are work related. Occupations with the highest incidents of occupational asthma include Bakers, Flour Confectioners, Spray Painters, and workers in the welding trades.

Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

If your hearing loss has come about after working in a noisy working environment and your employers did not provide you with the necessary ear defenders, then you could make a claim for compensation.

All employers are required by law to hold Employers’ Liability Insurance which means employees can feel safe enough to claim compensation without fear of losing your job.

Dependent on the level of noise exposure you have suffered, the severity of industrial deafness can vary. We’ve have helped many people to claim after they were exposed to excessive noise in a range of industries, including engineering works, construction sites, steel plants and textiles.

As well as fighting to gain compensation for you, we can also help you to access the right support to help you to recover or, come to terms with your hearing loss.

Occupational Dermatitis Claims

Dermatitis is a skin condition commonly caused by coming into contact with an allergen or an irritating substance. If you suffer from eczema or dermatitis, you may experience severe dryness and itchiness that can lead to painful sores and skin infections.

Dependent on the industry you’re working in you may be at greater risk of developing occupational dermatitis, eczema or other skin conditions. Your employer has a duty to minimise this risk as far as possible, but if you have suffered any of these conditions as a result of your work, contact our team of specialist solicitors on 0800 437 0322 as they may be able to help you claim compensation.

Vibration White Finger Claims

Vibration white finger (VWF), or hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) as it is sometimes known, is one of the most common industrial injuries.
The condition occurs following the continuous use of machinery that vibrates.

•  Vibration white finger affects the blood vessels, nerves and joints of the hand and wrist
• The damage can lead to tingling or fingers that feel numb
• The fingers can also change colour – from normal to an intense red colour

Regardless of the size of the vibrating tool all can cause severe harm to those who use them over extended periods of time. Long term treatment and care is sometimes needed as sufferers usually experience not only pain but, a significant loss of dexterity.