Every time you head into work, you should feel safe, not like you’re walking into a health hazard. But for thousands of people across the UK, exposure to hazardous substances at work is a hidden danger that’s all too real. We’re talking about serious illnesses, long-term health issues, and, in some cases, life-changing consequences.
Whether you’re swinging a hammer on a construction site, working in a dental practice, or just trying to keep your workspace clean with some heavy-duty chemicals, you could be at risk without even realising it.
So, let’s break it all down: what hazardous substances are, what your rights look like, and how to claim compensation if your employer hasn’t played by the rules. We’re keeping it simple, straight-talking, and packed with advice you can use.
In 2021, there were 2,268 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures, highlighting the long-term impact of hazardous substances in the workplace.
35.2 million working days were lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury in 2023, indicating the significant impact on productivity.
Let’s get into it, because your health isn’t negotiable.
What exactly are hazardous substances at work?
Alright, let’s keep this simple. Hazardous substances are anything that can mess with your health or put your safety at risk. And trust me, they’re sneakier than you think.
We’re talking about stuff like:
- Chemicals: things like cleaning sprays, solvents, or acids that you might use every day but can cause serious harm if you’re not careful.
- Dusts and fumes: common on construction sites or in factories, and not the kind of dust you want to be breathing in.
- Biological agents: bacteria and viruses, especially if you work in healthcare or a dental practice where germs run wild.
- Gases and vapours: sneaky troublemakers like carbon monoxide or welding fumes that you don’t want lingering around.
Even everyday stuff can become a danger if you’re exposed the wrong way. So don’t underestimate the hidden risks around you!
Hazardous substances that might be hanging around your workplace
You might not realise it, but hazardous substances are hiding out in all kinds of workplaces. Here’s where they love to lurk:
- Dental practices: Think mercury vapour from fillings, disinfectants that pack a punch, or those X-ray chemicals you probably didn’t even notice.
- Offices and schools: Even your trusty cleaning sprays and printer toner can cause trouble.
- Factories and warehouses: Solvents, sticky adhesives, oils, and industrial lubricants, basically the not-so-glamorous side of making stuff happen.
- Construction sites: The big hitters like asbestos, cement dust, silica, paints, and solvents, these guys mean serious business.
Working with hazardous substances isn’t just “part of the job”. It’s a risk your employer must manage properly. If they don’t? That’s when your legal rights kick in, and you deserve to know them inside out.
The law’s got your back: what protects you?
When it comes to your safety at work, the UK law isn’t messing around.
First up, there’s the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, basically the holy grail of workplace safety. It says loud and clear: your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe. No ifs, no buts.
Then there’s COSHH, which is short for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. This one zooms in on hazardous substances and lays out exactly what your boss needs to do if you’re around them. They must:
- Assess the risks
- Put proper safety measures in place
- Provide proper training and protective equipment
- Give you the right protective gear
- Keep tabs on how much you’re exposed to
- Offer health checks if needed
If they’re skimping on safety or winging it, they’re breaking the law. And if you’ve suffered because of it, you could be entitled to compensation. Simple as that.
What can happen if you’re exposed to hazardous substances at work?
Let’s be real, hazardous substances at work aren’t just a nuisance. They can seriously mess with your health, and sometimes the damage creeps up on you without warning.
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Skin rashes or dermatitis that just won’t quit
- Breathing problems like asthma or a cough that never clears
- Irritated eyes: itchy, red, and sore for no clear reason
- Headaches, dizziness, and brain fog out of nowhere
- And in more serious cases, cancer, especially with long-term exposure to nasties like asbestos
If any of this sounds familiar and you think it could be linked to hazardous substances at work, don’t just tough it out. See your doctor ASAP, and then get some legal advice from us at Claim Time Solicitors, who know what they are doing.
Can you claim compensation for exposure to hazardous substances at work?
Yes, you absolutely can. If your employer dropped the ball and you’ve been affected, you could be entitled to compensation, and we’re talking real support, not just lip service.
You might have a claim if:
- You have been diagnosed with a health issue linked to workplace exposure
- Your employer failed to give you proper PPE or training
- They didn’t bother with a risk assessment
- You were left in the dark about what you were being exposed to
Sounds familiar? Then it’s time to speak up.
You don’t have to go through it alone. Claim Time Solicitors has your back from start to finish. We’ll guide you through the whole process and keep it as smooth and stress-free as possible, with our no-win, no-fee promise keeping things worry-free. Because your health matters, and we’re here to make sure your voice is heard.
Why choose Claim Time Solicitors?
We get it, making a claim can feel intimidating. But with Claim Time solicitors, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s why we’re the team you’ll want in your corner:
- We have expertise: from the Health and Safety at Work Act to COSHH regs, we’re experts in the ins and outs of UK workplace law. Nothing slips past us.
- No win, no fee policy: that’s right, you won’t pay us a penny unless we win your case. No stress, no upfront costs.
- Top-rated for a reason: we’re proud to be one of the best personal injury solicitors London has to offer. But don’t just take our word for it, our reviews speak for themselves.
- Friendly straight-talking: no confusing legal waffle here, just real people helping victims.
If you’ve been exposed to hazardous substances at work, we’re the team to help you fight back and get what you deserve.
How to start your claim? (It’s easier than you think.)
Ready to take action? Good, here’s how to kick things off:
- Jot it all down: Keep a record of everything, symptoms, doctor visits, emails to your boss, the lot. The more details, the better.
- See a doctor: You’ll need a proper diagnosis to back up your claim, plus, your health comes first.
- Give Claim Time Solicitors a chance: we’ll give you a free, no-pressure consultation and walk you through the whole process, step by step.
That’s it. No legal jargon. No hoops to jump through. Just straight-up support from people who’ve got your back.
Stay safe, stay sharp: your go-to guide for working with hazardous substances
Whether you’re on the tools or behind the scenes, staying safe around hazardous substances isn’t optional; it’s essential. Here’s your quick-hit checklist to keep danger at bay:
- Get clued up: proper training is a must, guesswork and hazardous substances don’t mix.
- Gear up: use the right protective kit, and make sure it fits (no one looks cool in loose goggles).
- Store it smart: keep substances in clearly labelled containers and store them safely. No mystery bottle, please.
- Know the drill: be ready for emergencies. Spills, exposure, leaks, know what to do, fast.
- Speak up: see something dodgy? Report it. Keeping quiet helps no one.
Avoiding harmful substances starts with knowing the risks and how you’re ahead of the game.
Speak up, breathe easy: you deserve better
You should never have to pick between your paycheck and your health. If you’ve been harmed by hazardous substances at work, it’s not something you just have to put up with
You’ve got rights. And with the right team behind you, you can get the justice and compensation you deserve.
That’s where Claim Time Solicitors come in. We’re here to listen, guide, and fight your corner, with zero upfront costs and no win, no fee peace of mind.
So why wait?
Contact us on 0800 970 2727 or book a free call-back online —fast, free, no obligation!
You’ve been exposed—now it’s time to be empowered. Let’s claim what’s yours.
