Toxic chemicals threaten workers on the job

Workplace injuries in Florida can be caused by a wide range of issues, from slip-and-fall accidents and repetitive strain injuries to toxic chemical exposure on the job. One guide aims to protect workers by informing them about potentially dangerous chemicals that may be found in the workplace. Some advocacy groups say that regulatory agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency are not doing enough to protect workers from toxic exposure. They say that industries help to hold back regulations that could protect workers’ health and safety.

The guide, published by the Center for Progressive Reform, advises tactics for harm reduction as well as providing information on how workers can take legal action or file complaints with federal agencies when workplace safety rules are violated. It also provides information about federal laws that apply to toxic chemicals in the workplace. According to a 2018 AFL-CIO report, around 50,000 workers lose their lives each year due to occupational disease. In many cases, toxic exposure is a significant factor. Some may expect that workers in heavy industry, like chemical manufacturing, are at the greatest risk. However, the guide notes that agricultural and domestic workers, construction employees and hair and nail salon workers are also endangered by chemical exposure.

The guide’s authors say that they want to encourage workers to ask questions on the job and learn more about the chemicals they are working with. Many people may not be fully aware of the risks of some of the chemicals used in beauty treatments or household cleaning.

Workers who have been injured on the job due to chemical exposure may face escalating medical bills or even lengthy periods of misdiagnosis. A workers’ compensation attorney may be able to help injured workers to pursue compensation for their damages.