Male reproductive capacity and the workplace

Whether you are in Scotland, Wales or England, there is no part of the male anatomy men are so protective of as the reproductive organs. Aside from sporting injury, the greatest cause of non-congenital male infertility is workplace injury.

Just as every right-thinking male has a duty to protect his "crown jewels" so too do does his employer. Failure to take adequate measures to do this can result in infertility, and if this situation does arise, any affected man has the right to seek compensation through the services of a personal injury lawyer.

Which occupations have the highest risk?
All occupations carry some level of risk. Desk-bound workers and professional drivers may be surprised to learn that being inactive for too long can actually pose a risk to male fertility. This is because the testicles need to be kept at a stable temperature two-degrees-Celsius lower than the optimum body temperature. Sitting down for long periods can lead to the testicles overheating, resulting in potentially damaging sperm morphology. Overheating of the testes can also be an occupational hazard of chefs, who often work for long periods in overheated kitchens, pressed close to hot stoves and ovens.

Those who work in the forestry and agricultural sectors face reproductive risks in the form of dangerous chemicals such as pesticides. Pesticides have been shown to have links to male infertility as well as the development of congenital defects in unborn children. Workers involved in the manufacture of orgenophosphate pesticide products may be at some risk too, as this particular product has been shown to interfere with normal male hormone production.

Printing and painting work may also adversely affect reproductive function. Solvents and hydrocarbons used in products such as lacquer thinner and turpentine have been associated with a variety of health problems in babies.

Occupations with high levels of exposure to diesel are also hazardous. Diesel is a hydrocarbon, a kind of substance associated with congenital conditions such as hypospadias and craniosynostosis.

The Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation have recognised that radiation is a hazard, drawing a link between exposure to fathers, stillbirths and conditions such as anencephaly and spina bifida. There have been reports of affected families in Eastern European states contacting personal injury lawyers in order to claim compensation for birth defects resulting from workplace radiation exposure.

While radiation might not be a Scottish fertility hazard, it is worth remembering that men should always be on their guard as even the slightest accident could irrevocably damage your most prized possessions.

Making a no win, no fee compensation claim
YouClaim have extensive experience in helping the victims of accidents in Scotland claim the compensation they deserve.

Our personal injury lawyers are recognised as being among the very best operating in the UK and their services are available to you at absolutely no cost.

In addition, our 100% compensation promise means that we will never take a cut. Win or lose, no cuts or fees these are our guarantees.

If you would like to find out more about what we can do for you, drop us an online claim form or simply call us on 0800 10 757 95.