Toxic Exposure and Repetitive Stress Injuries
A lack of oxygen or exposure to toxins can lead to serious injury or wrongful death. Employers that do not provide adequate ventilation, masks, and other safety equipment put workers at risk for poisoning, contact dermatitis, chemical burns, lung injuries, organ damage and cancer. Some of the most dangerous toxins in the workplace include cadmium, mercury, benzene, silica, asbestos, and mold.
Repetitive stress injuries are also common to many occupations. Any job that requires a worker to perform repetitive motions, sit in poorly designed workstations, or repeatedly lift or bend can cause muscle strain and soft tissues injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome, swollen/injured joints, neck and back strain, disk disease and hernias are just a few of the repetitive stress or cumulative trauma injuries a worker can suffer.