Although asbestos has been banned in many countries, the United States is still working on ridding itself of the dangerous substance. Even though production and use has dramatically decreased since the 1980’s, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) still warns workers about exposure on the job.
While asbestos use is limited in production today, many consumer products from the past are laden with the substance. While these old products are not dangerous themselves, if broken down, asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled by workers or people in the area. This is why building demolition and remodeling are best left to the professionals.
OSHA recently released their updated Asbestos Fact Sheet, informing workers of the possible dangers of asbestos exposure on the job, protections put in place by OSHA to limit exposure, and the rights of workers in the United States. If you have been exposed to asbestos while on the job and develop respiratory problems, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation.
If you work with asbestos or asbestos products, read over OSHA’s Asbestos Fact Sheet today. You might be surprised to learn that you are entitled to protections such as workplace assessments, separate decontamination and lunch areas, training, and more.
We have worked with many victims to attain compensation for asbestos-related diseases as a result of past exposure. OSHA alerts general industry, shipyard, and construction workers of the hazardous substance they are working with, but does not guarantee their safety. It is up to employers to keep their workers safe, and many in the past have not.
Contact us today if you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease due to exposure at work.
