Recently, a New Jersey judge determined a worker's 35 years of exposure to silica contributed to his fatal lung cancer. In the case, Johnson v. Campbell CP NO. 2007-11564, the NJ judge determined his silica exposure came from his job.
Silica Exposure Could Cause Work Injuries
Crystalline silica is a highly toxic substance which is a lung carcinogen. When ingested, this substance can be extremely harmful to workers, causing a work injury. These injuries can include the following:
- silicosis
- inability to breathe due to scar tissue in the lungs from ingesting crystalline silica
- chest pains
- respiratory failure
- death
Protect Yourself from a Work Injury Due to Silica
On the job, there should be precautions taken to ensure that workers are safe and do not inhale silica, causing a work injury. These precautions are intended to save workers' lives. Workers should protect themselves in the following ways:
- exhaust ventillation
- protective respirators
- wear washable or disposable work clothes and discard them before going home
- shower and remove silica dust before going home
- do not smoke
- do not eat or drink in areas containing silica
Protect yourself when you're working around crystalline silica to prevent a work injury that could be potentially fatal. If you've been injured on the job, call a skilled work injury attorney today. You may be entitled to compensation for your work injury.
