If you work with hazardous materials, you know that your job is one of the most dangerous but necessary professions in the world. HAZMAT employees remove dangerous materials in order to keep the public safe or ensure that dangerous chemicals are transported using proper safety techniques. Every day, you risk your own life to keep others safe, which is why a HAZMAT work injury can be particularly devastating.
What Is HAZMAT?
The United States government designates any item or chemical that can present a health or physical hazard as “hazardous material,” a phrase that is often shortened to HAZMAT.
Some of the items that have been classified as HAZMAT material in Pennsylvania include:
Agents that can cause injury to lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes
Carcinogenic chemicals
Chemicals that reduce or release dusts, gases fumes, vapors, mists or smoke that have known harmful properties
Combustible liquids
Compressed gas
Corrosives
Explosives
Flammable liquids
Flammable solids
Hematopoletic system threats
Hepatotoxins
Irritants
Nephrotoxins
Neurotoxins
Organic peroxides
Oxidizers
Pyrophorics
Reproductive toxins
Toxic agents
Unstable or water-resistant reactives
HAZMAT Related Injuries
Even when precautions are taken, a HAZMAT work injury can occur.
Some of the most common injurie to workers in the HAZMAT industry include:
Blindness
Bodily fluid exposure
Broken bones
Cancer
Chemical burns
Cold stress
Heat stress
Musculoskeletal disorders
Overexertion
Poisoning
Radiation poisoning
Respiratory illness, including mesothelioma, chronic asthma or farmer’s lung
Skin disease
Strains and sprains
Traumatic brain injury
After a HAZMAT Injury
After a HAZMAT injury at work, your employer is required to provide you with workers’ compensation coverage. This means you should receive compensation for your lost wages, medical bills and other expenses incurred as a result of your injury. You cannot be fired for filing a claim and you are eligible for the compensation even if you were partially or completely at fault for the injury.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a HAZMAT accident at work, contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys at Lundy Law to learn what rights you may have. Hiring a lawyer does not mean you plan to sue your employer. In fact, Pennsylvania law does not allow you to do so in most cases. However, employers often miscalculate the amount of compensation you are entitled to and a lawyer will simply keep your best interest in mind when dealing with the workers’ compensation insurance company. Arrange for your no-obligation consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or completing our easy query form online.
