Have you been exposed to noisy tools or
machinery, or exposed to harmful materials
or chemicals?
24 HOURS A DAY/7 DAYS A WEEK
Industrial Disease
Claims for industrial disease are caused by your current, or your past, working conditions e.g. dust, dirt or noise. They may involve the use of power tools or exposure to dangerous chemicals or other toxic substances. They are different from accidents at work because:-
- Symptoms sometimes take a long time to show.
- The cause of your symptoms often occurs a long time in the past.
- You may have worked for more than one employer and therefore it can be difficult to decide who is responsible.
The most common industrial diseases are:-
Mesothelioma – a form of cancer which affects either the lining of the lungs or the abdomen. It is almost always caused by exposure to Asbestos.
Asbestosis – this causes breathlessness, coughing, and general difficulty in breathing. It too is caused by exposure to asbestos dust and can sometimes lead to Mesothelioma (as above).
Industrial Asthma – symptoms include breathing difficulties and lung conditions. There is a high incidence amongst those who work in dusty environments such as spray painters and welders.
Vibration White Finger (known as VWF or HAVS - Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome) – is caused by using vibrating power tools for prolonged periods of time without proper or sufficient breaks or appropriate protective equipment. It leads to "blanching" (whitening) of the fingers. It can be particularly painful in cold weather.
Industrial Deafness – is caused by exposure to loud tools or noisy workplaces e.g. through the use of power tools, noisy machinery, or general background noise. It often starts as Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Dermatitis - arises from exposure to chemical or biological substances. The skin flakes and blisters or is subject to severe itching or bleeding.
If you are or have suffered from any of the above conditions we would be able to help. These claims are often difficult to prove and require expert investigation and involvement from the start. You should also seek medical advice immediately if you have not yet done so.
Contact AIL today on Freephone 0800 1952009 for an informal chat at no cost to yourself or complete the form on the Contact Us page.
Case Studies
As a result he began to suffer from Vibration White Finger and deafness
30th August 2011
We acted for Mr. X who for over 20 years worked for a company which repaired pot holes in Norfolk’s roads. His employers were contracted by Norfolk County Council to carry out such work which also included digging up and relaying asphalt/tarmac. The work almost always involved the use of air p...[read more]
Call us on 0800 195 2009 - FREE phone, lines open 24 hours - 7 days a week
- Gordon Dean
- Heather Duffy
- Stephen Green
- Jeremy Ives
- Paul Kirby
- Gary Leverett
- Jacqueline Lake
- Tim Parsons
- Nick Sutherland
- Stephen Wood
