Scranton Occupational Hazards Attorneys

Occupational hazards are elements within a work environment that pose a serious health risk to employees. These may be chemicals that cause illness or other dangerous materials that have the potential to injure or kill exposed workers. Certain industries may be more commonly known for occupational hazards, but even an ordinary office building can contain asbestos or other hazardous materials.

If you work in Pennsylvania, there are laws that specifically address your right to know about occupational hazards in your place of employment:

1. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Medical Access Regulation: This law gives employees the right to review their medical records held by their employers, as well as information about air quality and chemicals in the workplace.

Chemical manufacturers are required to provide a document known as a "Material Safety Data Sheet," or MSDS, whenever they sell a chemical. The MSDS includes details about ingredients, any risks posed by exposure to the chemical, and first aid treatment. If you work with chemicals, your employer should have an MSDS on file, and you are entitled to request a copy. Note that MSDS information isn't always up-to-date or complete, however, and your employer is only required to furnish the information provided by the manufacturer.

2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: This law requires your employer to inform you about any hazardous chemicals or other substances used in the workplace. Information should include risks associated with exposure (both short and long-term) and the safety measures necessary to handle such materials.

Despite these important laws, workers in Scranton and other Pennsylvania cities still suffer from contact with dangerous materials at work. Certain chemicals can cause serious injury and illness – even cancer – and treatment for such devastating conditions can be expensive. Employees may lose their ability to work, adding to the already challenging financial burden of paying for medical care.

If you have become injured or ill because of an occupational hazard, you are entitled to compensation for your medical care and lost wages under Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act. If your employer attempts to deny responsibility or the workers' compensation insurance carrier denies your claim, you need an experienced advocate on your side.

The Scranton workers' compensation lawyers at Munley, Munley & Cartwright, P.C. have more than 40 years of experience fighting for the injured. Our offices in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre provide direct access to local communities where workers' compensation matters are litigated.

The goal of our Scranton workers’ compensation attorneys is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through teamwork and the use of our considerable resources and experience. If an occupational hazard has caused you to suffer from injury or illness, please contact us online or by telephone 1-800-318-LAW1 today for an assessment of your case.