Protecting Workers From Illness and Injury
In the course of their work, cleaning professionals are subjected to many toxic substances. Prolonged exposure to these toxins may result in occupational diseases such as lung damage and cancer. Janitors, maids, pest control workers, building cleaners, industrial clean-up crews and others are at risk for these illnesses and other types of injury.
If your job caused an illness or injury, contact the Robert A. Koenigsberg Law Offices for assistance. We help injured workers with workers' compensation claims. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to protect your right to compensation for medical costs and a percentage of your wages. For a free consultation with a New York City injured cleaning professional lawyer, please call 212-964-9292 or contact us online.
The Hazards of the Cleaning Profession
One of the biggest dangers to professional cleaners comes from the cleaning products they use. A study by the University of California, Berkeley, reports that common household cleaners give off toxic pollutants and in some cases, form secondary pollutants when mixed with ozone.
Industrial-strength cleansers and solutions may contain even higher levels of pollutants. Repeated exposure to these toxins may result in illness or injury. The following materials can harm workers if they are inhaled, ingested or come into contact with the skin:
- Asbestos
- Dust and fibers
- Toxic mold
- Lead and mercury
- Pesticides
- Solvents
- Benzene
- Formaldehyde
Gloves, safety goggles, dust masks and other protective clothing should be worn when handling these materials. Proper ventilation should also be in place in the areas being cleaned. Workers should be educated about the potential dangers of working with these substances and should be properly trained in safety procedures.
Injuries and illnesses caused by cleaning jobs can be disabling or deadly and may include:
- Brain damage
- Burns
- Chronic fatigue
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Skin disorders
- Organ damage
- Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you will need coverage for medical care and other losses. We will discuss your injury and explain your rights. Please call our office at 212-964-9292 to schedule an appointment with a Brooklyn chemical exposure lawyer.
