Chemical Burns
Are You Seeking Work Related Chemical Burns Compensation?
Some of the most distressing types of industrial injury can be caused by chemical burns.
If you have suffered a chemical burn at work in the last three years and it was a chemical injury which was not your fault you could find yourself being able to launch a successful personal injury claim.
Contact the UK Personal Injury Bureau today and we will put a solicitor with expertise in the chemical burns compensation field at your disposal.
Burn Injury Claims – The Legal Situation
Regulations exist to control the risks at work related to fire/explosions and dangerous substances.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 state:
“Where a dangerous substance is or is liable to be present at the workplace, the employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to his employees which arise from that substance.”
“Every employer shall ensure that risk from dangerous substances is either eliminated or reduced so far as is reasonably practicable.”
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states:
“It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety.”
Chemical Burns In The Workplace – Alkalis, Acids And Other Corrosives
Unfortunately many factory workers and employees in heavy industry find themselves working in an environment where proximity to dangerous chemicals, including cement mixes, inflammable liquids and the like, are an inevitable consequence.
And sadly not all workers are experienced in working with flammable liquids and corrosive material and are not always aware of the dangers they pose.
In all cases, employers should give workers proper instructions in the use of, contact with and best operating practice in a working environment where chemicals are present.
There should be a risk assessment and a safe system of working.
Unfortunately even with strict legislation in place industrial workplaces are the location for some of the worst cases of severe burning caused by caustic chemicals, gases, oils, alkalis and other corrosives, including bases and solvents.
Such chemical burns tend to be deep, destructive and painful. Alkalis can penetrate deeper and cause worse burns than acids. Cement is a common cause of alkali related chemical burn.
In some cases the effects of chemical burns can be so drastic the victim may require skin grafts, cosmetic surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. In the most severe cases chemical burns can result in permanent disability, including a lifetime’s loss of potential earnings.
Personal injury compensation claims for chemical burns are common, unfortunately, as the use of and contact with such substances in many industrial and manufacturing contexts is a fact of life. Equally, the transportation of such materials is routine across the UK.
Take Legal Advice
Remember you should always seek advice from an appropriately qualified solicitor on any specific legal enquiry relating to a work related injury, including a specialist compensation claim area such as industrial and chemical burn injuries. Only the professional advice of a suitably qualified solicitor constitutes binding legal advice, giving you the professional help and satisfaction that your injury deserves.
