The Dangers of Chemical Exposure in Louisiana Maritime Work
It is not rare for Louisiana maritime workers to be exposed to toxic chemicals on the job. Whether in the shipyard, on board or at sea, many dangerous chemicals are used for many purposes.
The question is: are you being protected from their effects? According to both the Jones Act and general maritime law, your employer must guarantee you a “safe place to work.” When this does not happen, the results can include injuries, illnesses and even death.
The Department of Health defines a toxic chemical as one that is poisonous or can cause negative health effects. Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause many problems, including:
Chemical Burns: A chemical burn happens when certain chemicals, like a strong acid, come in contact with living tissue. Chemical burns occur immediately when the chemical touches the skin. They can be extremely painful and difficult to heal and cause permanent damage.
Respiratory and Pulmonary Problems: When a chemical is inhaled, burning and discomfort in the upper respiratory tract begins almost immediately. If the exposure is heavy, the victim may even die from suffocation, obstruction of the airway or heart stoppage.
Damage to the Brain and Neurological Damage: Many toxic chemicals can affect the brain. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, brain activity can be slowed, and, in severe cases, the brain stem can be depressed, causing breathing and even the heart to stop.
Toxic chemicals can enter and affect the human body in three ways. Chemicals can be:
Inhaled. This is the most common route to toxic exposure. When gasses and vapors are present on the job, the maritime worker who breathes them in may suffer respiratory problems or even systemic problems in which the chemicals cause damage to other organs.
Absorbed through the skin and/or eyes. This can happen with chemicals that are solid, liquid or gas. It most often occurs when there is some kind of previous injury or a chemical burn on the skin. However, the eyes are always open to absorption.
Ingested. While the least likely of the three, ingestion of toxic chemicals can cause severe damage, even burns, to the stomach, throat, esophagus and mouth.
How seriously the person is injured depends on the dose and concentration of the substance. The risks can be reduced if your Louisiana maritime job site observes well-known safety precautions. Safe work practices, ventilation, protective clothing and protective gear should all be a part of what happens every day.
Most people who are exposed to toxic chemicals will recover, but that recovery may take a very long time. In the meantime, the victim may not be able to continue to work at his or her maritime job. And, in extreme exposures, permanent illness, injury or even death may occur.
If you have been exposed to toxic chemicals on your Gulf of Mexico maritime job, you have guaranteed rights. To discuss these rights and your legal options, contact the Louisiana maritime law experts, The Young Firm, today. Just call toll free at 888-938-6113 or fill out the confidential form on this page.
