Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive, and deadly type of cancer that is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. Victims of this illness are usually entitled to significant compensation for the expenses they incur. Most cases of mesothelioma were caused by exposure to asbestos in the workplace, which leads to the question – What is a person’s employer responsible for after asbestos exposure?
Understanding and adhering to asbestos regulations, particularly those set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and OSHA, is crucial for protecting employees and the public from asbestos exposure.
At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we have spent decades helping victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve after a mesothelioma diagnosis or death. We are not afraid to ask the tough questions, and we will not back down from large companies.
Asbestos exposure occurs when asbestos fibers are released into the air and inhaled. This can happen when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, damaged, or deteriorate over time. For instance, during construction or renovation activities, asbestos fibers can become airborne, posing a significant health risk to workers. Additionally, asbestos exposure can occur through secondary exposure, where asbestos fibers are brought home on clothing, hair, or personal items, putting family members and others at risk. Understanding asbestos exposure is crucial in preventing the devastating health consequences associated with it, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. By recognizing how asbestos fibers can be released and spread, both employers and employees can take necessary precautions to minimize exposure and protect their health.
Every employer is required to inform workers if they are working with asbestos or in an environment with a risk of asbestos exposure. It is crucial to measure the amount of asbestos present in the workplace to comply with OSHA regulations and ensure worker safety.
Take these steps immediately if you are concerned about your asbestos exposure in your current workplace:
If you think you have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace, contact an experienced New York asbestos lawyer as soon as possible to go over your rights and entitlement to compensation.
The US Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulates the actions and preventative measures employers should take regarding asbestos. OSHA has established specific standards to protect workers from asbestos exposure in various high-risk workplaces. In general, OSHA says that employers should provide protections such as:
Employers are required to provide safe working environments for employees, including limiting their exposure to dangerous materials like asbestos. When employers fail to follow OSHA safety protocols, workers exposed to asbestos may be able to file a legal claim against them.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma has a long latency period. This means that many victims are not diagnosed until up to 20 to 30 years after they have been exposed to asbestos. This can make it more difficult to hold an employer accountable for asbestos exposure, but certainly not impossible. In the past, employers usually did not take steps to prevent asbestos exposure. Personal injury law can help victims pursue legal action for damages caused by an employer’s negligence.
Preventing asbestos exposure requires a proactive approach from both employers and employees. Employers must take steps to identify and manage ACMs in the workplace, including conducting regular surveys and assessments to locate and evaluate the condition of these materials. Workers must be trained on safe work practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to prevent inhalation of asbestos fibers. Engineering controls, such as effective ventilation systems, can also be implemented to reduce the concentration of airborne asbestos. Additionally, employers must ensure that workers are aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure and take steps to minimize exposure, such as following proper procedures for handling and disposing of asbestos-containing materials. By fostering a culture of safety and awareness, employers can significantly reduce the risk of asbestos exposure in the workplace.
Working with an attorney, there are several routes you may be able to take to recover compensation. This could include a lawsuit against the manufacturers of asbestos or asbestos-containing products, building owners, contractors, and other entities.
Workers in the construction industry face significant risks of asbestos exposure during activities such as renovation, repairs, and demolition. Specific safety standards are in place to mitigate these hazards through monitoring and protective measures.
In many cases, businesses that caused the exposure are no longer operating or have gone bankrupt. Your attorney may work through an established bankruptcy trust fund (also known as a mesothelioma trust) to secure the compensation you deserve.
There are various types of compensation available for mesothelioma victims and their family members. This can include:
It is crucial for employers to identify and manage asbestos-containing material in the workplace to prevent exposure to dangerous microscopic fibers.
Asbestos management and monitoring are critical in preventing asbestos exposure and ensuring a safe working environment. Employers must develop an asbestos management plan that outlines the locations and types of ACMs, the risk assessment, and the control measures in place. This plan should be regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with OSHA asbestos standards. Employers must also ensure that workers are trained on asbestos awareness and safe work practices, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and respiratory protective equipment. By adhering to OSHA regulations and implementing a comprehensive asbestos management plan, employers can protect employees from the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure. Regular training and updates on asbestos safety protocols are essential in maintaining a safe workplace and preventing the release of dangerous asbestos fibers.
Employers have a responsibility to protect workers from asbestos exposure, but when they fail to follow safety regulations, the consequences can be devastating. At Williams Law Firm P.C., we fight to hold negligent employers accountable, ensuring victims of workplace asbestos exposure receive the compensation they deserve. Lead attorney Joseph P. Williams has never lost a mesothelioma case, using his 30 years of experience to stand up to corporations that failed to protect their workers.
If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma due to workplace asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We provide aggressive legal representation, guiding you through the claims process while ensuring your rights are fully protected. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you. Call (855) 575-6376 or reach out through our contact form.
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