Workplace Cancer Claim *

Occupational Cancer * can be a common illness associated with overexposure to hazardous chemicals and radiation. Those who work in certain environments that are exposed to these chemicals are more at risk of contracting a work-related disease. This includes those who work in factories and warehouses. Certain industries that are at risk include;

• Plastic and textiles
• Dentistry
• Printing
• Paint production
• Glass and metal production

If you have been exposed to certain chemicals which have led to you being affected by a workplace illness * then you may be entitled to make a claim for damages *. If you decide that you wish to make a claim for workplace cancer * then it is important to note that you cannot have been responsible for the cause of your illness.

Who is responsible?

There are certain carcinogens that are related to workplace cancer so it is important that exposure to these chemicals is minimised and controlled. If an employer is aware that certain chemicals which are related to cancer are present in the working environment then they must do everything they can to ensure that they protect workers from the risk of contracting an industrial disease. All employers have a duty of care to their staff to provide them with a safe working space in which the risk of contracting an industrial disease is quite low. It is their responsibility to carry out frequent risk assessments and eliminate any risks that were made visible to them.

Those who work in these environments should be provided with the correct training and safety equipment needed to carry out their job. This training should regularly be updated to keep up with any changes. This is the responsibility of the employer who should also ensure that there are adequate safety measures in place for the possibility that an accident may occur. This also helps to reduce the chances of an accident occurring.

If you have been affected by workplace cancer as a result of employer negligence then you may be entitled to make a claim against them. This is providing that they did not have the necessary health and safety procedures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of their staff.

What types of carcinogens are related to occupational cancer?

• Workers can be exposed to carcinogens in a number of ways. This includes;
• Inhalation of carcinogenic materials
• Ingestion
• Absorption through contact with the skin

Different carcinogens are related to different types of cancer. People can be exposed to these hazardous materials in different environments depending on what industry they work in. This means that the type of workplace cancer diagnosed will vary for each individual and symptoms will not be the same for everybody.

• Asbestos is the name given to a group of mineral fibres which are naturally occurring and both chemically and heat resistant. It is commonly associated with building materials such as insulation. Common types of cancer associated with asbestos are lung and stomach.
• UV radiation is commonly associated with skin cancer and is caused by overexposure to the sun. This commonly affects those who work outside in direct sunlight for extended periods of time without adequate protection or rest breaks.
• Dioxins are generally produced as by-products of industrial processes such as water treating. Lung cancer can be caused by dioxin poisoning.
• Arsenic is a toxic substance that is made up of different compounds. It is usually associated with the manufacturing industry. Arsenic poisoning can be associated with lung and skin cancer.
• Overexposure to the chemical used in paint production can lead to bladder and lung cancer. These substances can include lead and solvents which can have a negative impact on your system.
• In some cases, shift and night workers have been affected by workplace cancer. Disruption to your natural body clock can be a probable carcinogen which can lead to breast cancer most commonly.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of workplace cancer * will be different for each individual affected and can take a number of years to develop, but there are a number of common signs which may be experienced leading up to your diagnosis.

• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pains and a feeling of tightness
• Coughing up blood
• Tiredness
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling
• Anaemia 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE

If you would like to find out more information on this topic or on the claims process you can contact our accident solicitors on 01 649 9900 or email ask@traceysolicitors.ie.

With over 30 years’ experience, Tracey Solicitors ensure not to overwhelm you with legal jargon and can provide you with legal advice and guidance with your best interest at heart, in a language that you can understand.