Navigating the world of employment can be tricky, especially when dealing with potential hazards on the job. Asbestos exposure is one such risk in many industries. OSHA reports that over 500,000 employees across the United States regularly work with asbestos products.
Asbestos is a concern because medical professionals have linked it to numerous health issues. But what happens if your employer neglects to inform you about the potential for asbestos exposure before you start your job?
Your employer’s responsibility
Employers have a responsibility to ensure their employees’ safety, which includes providing them with the necessary personal protective equipment and training to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure. If your employer did not disclose the potential for asbestos exposure, they could potentially be failing in their obligation to maintain a safe workplace.
Potential health effects
Exposure to asbestos could lead to severe health issues over time, including asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The latency period of these diseases is often extensive, which means you may not notice symptoms until many years after exposure.
How to respond
If you find that your employer did not inform you about the asbestos risk at your job, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention if you have faced exposure. You also need to ensure that you report this issue to the appropriate authorities so that they can conduct an investigation.
Your safety at work is paramount. Always ensure that you are aware of your workplace environment and the potential hazards it may present.
