You may not be familiar with the term and concept of industrial illness. The term refers to illnesses suffered by workers as a direct result of their working environment, unlike an injury; illnesses are less obvious and can develop over time.

If you suspect or have reason to believe that you are suffering from an industrial illness, this brief overview of common industrial related illnesses may prove beneficial. If you do suspect that you are suffering from an illness work related or not it is highly recommended that you visit a doctor.

Asbestos Asbestos disease is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which aggravate and scar a person’s lungs. Exposure to Asbestos can also trigger other serious conditions such as Mesothelioma, lung disease and pleural thickening and Fibrosis.

Work environments regularly linked to Asbestos disease are Asbestos plants, shipyards, heating and air conditioning firms, industrial chemical plants, schools, railway and electrical industries, chemical laboratories and building and construction. The disease can also indirectly affect individuals; workers in contact with Asbestos generally carried the fibers on the clothes, depositing them in their home and social environments.

If you were in contact with Asbestos between 1950-1985 you have the right to make a legal claim against exposure to Asbestos.

Mesothelioma, Exposure to Asbestos fibers and dust can also cause Mesothelioma cancer, which affects the cells which cover the body’s internal organs. The Cancer usually takes 20 – 50 years to develop.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) RSI sufferer’s symptoms generally include pain in their upper body muscles, nerves and tendons, normally affecting the forearm, wrists, elbows, neck, hands and shoulders. RSI is caused from repeatedly carrying out a particular task over a long period of time.

Vibration White Finger Caused from working with vibrating machinery or extended exposure to cold weather. This illness’ symptoms commonly include numb and tingling fingers and the toes, or in the nose and ears. In severe cases a persons fingers will start to turn white. In extreme cases the person can loose there fingers.

Tinnitus People who suffer from Tinnitus experience ringing, buzzing, humming or whistling noises in the ears and/or head with no external source, varying in pitch. The cause is exposure to loud noise. Generally suffered by factory workers working with loud machinery.

If you believe that you are suffering from an illness as a result of your working environment you are entitled to claim for compensation. Your employer will be covered by an insurance company, therefore you do not need to worry that your employer will be paying from there own pockets. By speaking out you will help to prevent the same illness affecting more in the future and help to improve your working environment.

Want to find out more about mesothelioma compensation, or think you may have an industrial deafness claim then Oliver & Co’s specialist solicitors can help.