Lead exposure claims

Despite the decreasing use of lead and the introduction of strict regulations controlling its use lead poisoning is still a risk for many workers in various sectors. Many of the health problems associated with lead poisoning can lead those who have suffered dangerous levels of exposure to make a work accident compensation claim.

Lead can be found in older buildings, generally as a material used for piping, and as well as this there are three main employment sectors in the UK which present a lead poisoning risk to workers. These are:

• The lead battery industry, which accounts for 21% of all lead exposure cases in the workplace
• The smelting, refining, alloying and casting sector – 16% of those who make a claim are employed in one of these areas
• Work with metallic lead and lead containing alloys, which accounts for 10% of all exposure cases

Workers in other industries are at still at risk, but their chances of developing a condition caused by lead exposure are much lower. Other potentially hazardous sectors include:

• Jewellery making
• Glass making
• The pottery industry
• Shipbuilding, repairing and breaking
• Demolition

Lead poisoning symptoms
Lead exposure symptoms are varied, and every individual will be impacted differently. General symptoms include:

• Memory loss
• Headaches,
• Tiredness
• Stomach cramps
• Kidney problems
• Impaired physical coordination
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Hearing problems
• Insomnia
• Concentration difficulties
• Blue line around the gums
• Anaemia
• High blood-pressure

In severe cases victims can also exhibit normal behaviour, foot drop, wrist drop, coma and convulsions. Some lead poisoning can be fatal.

Lead exposure can also lead health problems including kidney failure, permanent brain damage, hearing problems, damage to the central nervous system and infertility.

Women exposed to lead exposure are at risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, foetal development complications.

What is an unacceptable blood-lead level?

What is deemed an unacceptable level of lead in the blood will depend on age, sex, and other factors. Males under the age of 18 can tolerate more lead in the blood than a pregnant woman, for example.

If the blood-lead level reaches what is called suspension-level, the employee must cease working until a doctor considers it safe to resume work.

Making a no win, no fee work accident compensation claim

If you've suffered lead exposure in the workplace you may be entitled to claim work accident compensation.

At YouClaim, we have a wealth of experience of expertise in dealing with claims for lead poisoning of any severity level. We’ve claimed compensation for those suffering minor symptoms as well as people who have been seriously affected by lead poisoning and now require extensive care. 

Contact us today and speak to one of our claims team. You can do this in one of three ways; fill out an online claim form, request a call back at a time suitable to you, or call us now on 0800 10 757 95 and let us help you by securing the compensation you deserve.