Parker Law Firm Blog Common Occupational Illnesses & Diseases

It doesn’t matter what industry you are in, employees can be exposed to many dangers (sometimes hidden) in their intensive work lives. It’s relatively easy to identify an injury one sustains from an accident at work, but occupational diseases and illnesses are often more difficult to pinpoint. Many jobs expose workers, either knowingly or unknowingly, to contaminants and other hazards that can lead to serious, long-lasting conditions that greatly impact their lives. Some of the most common job-site illnesses include lung disease, skin infection from dangerous chemicals, poisoning from exposure to toxic substances, and in some cases even cancer. Brad Parker says, “As long as the condition is directly related to the worker’s occupation, he or she can claim it under workers’ compensation to maintain an income while having to take time off from work and to ensure all medical bills related to the illness are covered.”Most Common Types of Occupational Illness and DiseaseSkin DiseasesThose who work in industries that expose them to the sun on a daily basis, like roofers or construction workers, are all at a high risk of developing skin cancer. Workers who regularly come into contact with dangerous and toxic chemicals frequently, such as cleaners, facility operators and mechanics, also experience a high risk of developing skin disease. The most common skin diseases that workers can suffer from include:Skin CancerEczemaVarious skin infections. Such as impetigo, skin abscesses, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, boils, anthrax, cellulite and others.InflammationsContact DermatitisUlcersHearing LossFor those who work in loud environments, including manufacturing and construction industries, are likely exposed to deafening sounds on a daily basis. These employees are more prone to hearing loss even with the use of safety equipment. These claims can be tricky due to the fact that most people experience hearing loss as they get older. Keeping detailed medical records that connect your loss of hearing to your workplace is imperative. workplace.Respiratory ProblemsMany who worked with asbestos insulation developed fatal lung disease. Despite greater awareness surrounding respiratory illness, many workers continue to be affected by the toxins they breathe in at work. Other common respiratory problems include:Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)TuberculosisMesotheliomaSilicosisPneumonitisPharyngitisOther Occupational DiseasesCarpal tunnel syndromeVisual fatigueChronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)Back painStressAt Parker Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers believe people matter. We are committed to our clients, not case numbers, and we believe in the power of the civil justice system. With years spent both representing accident victims and participating in the state legislative process, our founder, Brad Parker, has developed a deep understanding of the law and gained unique experience that helps him get results for his clients.