Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases are unfortunately common in many industries for example in mining, engineering, textiles, spray painting, dry cleaning and agriculture.
A respiratory disease can cause breathing difficulties and also cause damage the lungs. Being exposed to certain irritants such as dust, mist or fumes can develop a respiratory disease or make an existing condition worse.
There are many different types of respiratory diseases that can result from the workplace including Allergic Rhinitis, Alvetolitis, Byssinosis and Farmers Lung. Below we have listed some of the more common types including:
Pneumoconiosis
Pneumoconiosis, also known as miner’s lung is a disease of the lungs caused by inhaling harmful dust from substances including asbestos, silica, talc, kaolinite and other metal compounds for prolonged periods of time. Occupations where employees could be at risk typically include coal mining and construction.
Amongst some of the types of conditions resulting from pneumoconiosis include Asbestosis, Silicosis, Welders lung, Kaolin Pneumoconiosis and Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis.
Asbestosis
See Asbestos related diseas
Asthma
Asthma is a disease of the airways. An allergic reaction can occur with exposure to certain substances known as ‘respiratory sensitisers’ or asthmagens and trigger an ‘asthma attack’ for example, from exposure to flour or wood dust in the workplace.
Symptoms from an asthma attack include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and breathing difficulties.
Asthma in the workplace can be of two main types. Work-aggravated Asthma which is a pre-existing asthma that is made worse by exposure to substances in the workplace and Occupational Asthma where asthma is caused by exposure to substances in the workplace.
A general list of chemicals that can cause occupational asthma issued by the Health & Safety Executive is available by clicking here.
Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are diseases which prevent the lungs from functioning properly. This can happen when certain types of dust are inhaled that settle into the lungs and damage them. Symptoms can include breathlessness, wheezing and in the more extreme instances, requiring individuals to use oxygen aids to help them breath.
Thousands of employees have suffered from bronchitis and emphysema as a result of working in dusty environments. The industries concerned typically include paint spraying, engineering and dry cleaning but particularly in the coal mining industry where employees contracted these diseases as a result of their working conditions.
Legislation
Employers are under an obligation under Statutory Law to provide and comply with measures to prevent occupational diseases. If you have been diagnosed with a respiratory disease and think it may be because of your past or current place of employment, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
Making a claim
We work with specialist solicitors who are experts in Respiratory Disease Claims and have successfully represented and won cases on behalf of many clients.
If you would like to discuss making a claim or for more information call us free on 0800 505 3397 to speak to one of our advisers or submit your claim online by completing our online claim form.
Please note that strict time limits apply for making a Personal Injury Claim. If you are considering making a claim, we advise that you pursue it as soon as possible. To read more about time limits click here.
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