Construction Sites and Exposure to Toxic Materials
Construction is a very dangerous line of work. While construction sites are filled with obvious hazards, like heavy equipment and machinery, sharp blades, and high scaffolding, some of the greatest dangers are virtually invisible to the naked eye, such as toxic materials. These materials can be found on nearly every construction site.
Exposure to toxic materials at a construction site can lead to catastrophic, or even fatal, injuries. Construction workers in the Brooklyn, NY, area who have been injured by exposure to toxic materials can work with construction accident attorneys at Zucker & Regev, P.C. to explore their right to financial compensation for damages.
Toxic Materials Found on Construction Sites
Toxic materials are one of the most frequent causes of injury at a construction site, due in large part to the range of toxins found on a typical construction site. Some of the toxic materials most commonly found in the field of construction include:
- Asbestos
- Lead
- Paint
- Asphalt
- Chemical solvents
- Pesticides
- Gasoline
- Mold
- Carbon monoxide
- Mercury and other metals
Injuries Caused by Exposure to Toxic Materials
Depending on the type of toxic material that a person is exposed to, it may cause injury if it is touched, inhaled, or accidentally ingested. As with any type of construction accident, the severity of injuries stemming from exposure to toxic chemicals can vary. Some of our Brooklyn clients who have been exposed to toxic materials suffer temporary injuries while others experience long-term consequences of their injuries. Potential toxic material injuries include:
- Burns
- Irritation and/or allergic reactions
- Respiratory distress
- Lung disease
- Cancer
- Neurological damage
- Death
What Precautions Should Be in Place to Protect Workers?
Construction companies are responsible for promoting the safety of their workers, and anyone else who may be near a construction site. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, offers specific regulations and guidelines that must be followed to keep the worksite safe. Some of the precautions that should be in place to protect workers from exposure to toxic materials include:
- Minimizing the amount of toxic materials on a construction site
- Placing warning signs to alert workers of toxic materials
- Educating workers about toxic materials they may come in contact with
- Training workers how to practice appropriate safety measures around toxic materials
- Providing respiratory masks or other necessary safety equipment
Can I Sue if I’m Injured by Exposure to Toxic Materials?
Toxic material injuries can have devastating physical and financial consequences. If an injury was the result of a construction company’s neglect or willful disregard of safety protocols, they should be held liable for accident injuries and related damages. Injury victims in the Brooklyn area can work with our construction accident attorneys to sue liable parties for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Zucker & Regev, P.C.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries after being exposed to toxic materials, the attorneys at Zucker & Regev, P.C. can help you explore your right to financial compensation. To discuss your accident in detail, send us a message at your earliest convenience, or call our law firm at (718) 624-1211.