Making an occupational cancer claim.
The occurrence of cancer caused by exposure to carcinogens in the workplace is a significant, yet often overlooked public health issue. These cancers can arise from a range of hazardous substances, including chemicals, dust, radiation, and other physical agents encountered in various occupational settings. While much attention is given to lifestyle-related cancers, the risks associated with workplace exposures, and the need for employers to be vigilant and take proactive measures, is not often considered.
Types of carcinogens found in the workplace
Carcinogens are substances capable of causing cancer in living tissue. In the workplace, these can be broadly broken down into the following categories;
- Chemical Carcinogens – this includes asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde, and certain dyes and pesticides. Workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture are often at risk of exposure to these chemicals.
- Physical Carcinogens – Exposure to radiation (e.g. X-ray, ultraviolet radiation, gamma rays) are common in healthcare, nuclear energy, and outdoor work environments.
- Biological Carcinogens – Certain viruses and bacteria, like the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C viruses, can be occupational hazards in healthcare and other sectors involving close human contact.
Common types of occupational cancerÂ
The types of cancer most frequently linked to occupational exposures include:
- Lung Cancer: Prevalent in construction, mining, and transportation industries.
- Skin Cancer: Common among outdoor workers such as farmers, construction workers, and fishermen.
- Bladder Cancer: Linked to exposure to aromatic amines in dye, rubber, and leather industries.
- Mesothelioma: Primarily affecting workers in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.
- Leukemia: Particularly in the chemical and petroleum industries.
Bringing an occupational cancer claim
Employers owe their employees a non-delegable duty of care and this extends to providing them with a safe and healthy workplace, as required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
By not providing a safe environment to employees working around carcinogenic substances, employers are subjecting their employees to harm. If an employee develops cancer as a direct result then they will be entitled to make an occupational cancer claim for compensation.
At Slee Blackwell Solicitors, we have a highly qualified team of Personal Injury Lawyers, happy to provide a free consultation to anyone who is impacted by these harmful exposures and would like to know whether they can make a claim on a No Win, No Fee basis.
