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One of the most common places of employment where claims for compensation for occupational asthma occur are industrial bakeries because of the flour dust generated in baking bread and cakes.
Flour mills and even commercial kitchens can be sources of this irritation of the airways, which can lead to breathlessness and consequent disability, and has developed as a result of working in a particular environment.
Microscopic amounts of flour dust and enzymes used in mass production of baked goods, which contain additives such as amylase, can be breathed in without the victim being aware of the risk to his health by clogging up the lungs.
Employers have a duty to protect their employees from this work-related illness and workers should also do what they can to reduce the amount of dust generated and their proximity to it.
Protective clothing and masks should be worn and any equipment designed to extract dust from the atmosphere needs to be switched on and working in the area where flour is stored or moved.
If spillages occur, they should be cleared promptly with suitable equipment such as a wet mop or high-efficiency vacuum cleaner rather than a compressed air line.
Workers should try to avoid creating dust clouds, especially when loading and mixing ingredients or disposing of empty bags, which should be rolled downwards away from the worker's face.
Mixers should be loaded carefully and started up slowly until dry material has been absorbed. Dredgers or sprinklers need to be used to spread dusting flour.
It may be years before a bakery worker is aware of the condition becoming a problem but symptoms are usually worse when at work or sleep is worse after a day's work, however, employees need to be alert of potential ill health and report to their supervisor if they suffer persistent runny nose, runny eyes, wheezing, shortness of breath, sneezing or coughs.
Bakeries can be quite hazardous in terms of workplace accident potential with the type of inter-action needed between people and equipment and management should have stringent health and safety guidelines in place which are strictly met.
Solicitor for compensation for occupational illness
Obviously, prevention is better than cure but if you have developed asthma because of your work, you should consider seeing a personal injury solicitor within three years of diagnosis if you think you may be eligible for compensation for occupational illness.
If the asthma prevents you from doing your job, although your employer may be able to move you to a less-hazardous job within the bakery, you may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. This will not prevent you from seeking further redress through the legal system.
YouClaim's experienced industrial illness lawyers are ready to help with advice and representation, wherever you live in the UK. You also have the assurance that they are monitored by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
What's more, as cases are handled under the no win no fee system, you can be certain of receiving 100% of all compensation won.
If you are a bakery worker or other employee who is concerned about claiming compensation for occupational asthma, an email address or telephone number emailed to us through this webpage will be sufficient for one of YouClaim's helpful team to get back to you with more information. Alternatively, call us now on 0800 10 959 75
