When working with hazardous materials and chemicals, safety procedures and precautions are paramount to ensuring employee safety. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has laws to protect employees from being exposed to harmful chemicals, spills are not uncommon. Learn the dangers and how to stay protected.
The Dangers of Chemical Spills
Chemical spills can expose workers to substances that can cause serious health problems. Chemicals can be toxic, explosive, flammable, and corrosive. Coming into contact with these substances without being adequately prepared with safety equipment can lead to adverse reactions and health problems. Our team of wrongful death attorneys in Louisville have handled cases of severe chemical exposure which resulted in death due to the negligence of one or multiple parties. Exposure can happen in the following three ways:
- Inhalation
- Skin absorption
- Ingestion
Depending on the type of chemical someone has been exposed to, it can have the following effects:
- Burns or irritation to the mouth, skin, lungs, eyes, nose, or throat
- Chest pain
- Respiratory organ damage
- Blindness
- Death
For example, in the case of a chlorine spill, a victim who has been exposed may sustain injuries or irritation to the nose, eyes, throat, and lungs. Our specialized Louisville burn injury attorneys know how chemical spills can cause catastrophic injuries and have handled these types of injury claims.
The Employer’s Responsibility
According to OSHA regulations, employers must keep spill control materials on hand, should an emergency arise. Spill kits may include the following:
PPE (personal protective equipment)
- Chemical splash goggles
- Gloves
- Shoe covers
- Plastic or Tyvek® aprons and/or Tyvek® suits
Absorption Materials
- Spill pillows
- Spill socks
- Pails
- Polyethylene liners
- Loose absorbents.
Clean-up Tools
- Polypropylene scoop
- Dustpans
- Polypropylene bags
- Sealing tape
- pH test papers
- Waste stickers
- DANGER signs
Injured From a Chemical Spill? Contact Us Today
Big cases require big resources. Being involved in a workplace chemical spill can have devastating health effects. You can rest assured that our Louisville personal injury attorneys will protect your rights and handle the tactics that large insurance companies use to deny claims. We have a track record of securing results in complex cases. We’ll defend your right to receive the maximum compensation that you deserve.
Contact Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC at (502) 244-7772 to learn how we may assist you.