Many workers in Scotland have developed asthma as a result of their exposure to harmful substances at their place of work.

Asthma can be caused by exposure to flour, grain, isocyanates, exposure to laboratory animals, certain types of welding fumes and latex. 

If you suddenly develop asthma later on in life then it may be the case that it is caused by something in your working environment.  Normally, your symptoms will develop whilst you are still exposed to the irritant substances.

Normal symptoms are breathing difficulties as a result of airways narrowing which results in coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest. 

If you can prove that you have developed an asthmatic condition as a result of your employment, you can claim compensation.  If you have already been diagnosed as having asthma and are exposed to an irritant which causes your asthma to worsen, then you may also have a claim.

When someone has been exposed to an irritant, it is imperative that they are never exposed to it again.  Workplaces require to take effective steps to ensure the safety of employees to ensure that further exposure to the irritant does not take place and that there should be adequate protection. 

In most instances, asthma can be kept at bay by treatment, however, it is common place for the person that has developed the asthma to require to take the asthma medication for the rest of their lives.

Our role at Redress is to ensure that everyone affected by Asthma see the quality of their lives improve following the award of cash compensation.

Who is to blame for your Occupational
Asthma?

Your employer is responsible for the wellbeing of their staff in the work place.

If you believe you may have been exposed to a hazardous substance at work which has caused you to develop asthma, then you may be entitled to make an asthma compensation claim.

There are detailed regulations in place called ‘The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988.’ These regulations are designed to protect all workers from exposure to chemicals and other substances in the workplace.

Redress can help to establish what was responsible for the asthma, the extent of the illness and just how much compensation you should be paid.

Causes of Occupational Asthma

The enzymes in detergent powders can cause asthma. As with many respiratory irritants, they can also cause skin irritation if proper precautions are not taken. The asthma may not develop until several weeks or months have passed after the initial exposure.

Exposure to flour is a cause of asthma is and is common for bakers or bakery workers to develop this condition. The asthma may not develop until several weeks or months have passed after the initial exposure.

Exposure to grain is a cause of asthma and is common for bakers, bakery workers, farm workers or other factory operatives to develop this condition. The asthma may not develop until several weeks or months have passed after the initial exposure.

Exposure to Isocyanates is a cause of asthma. Isocyanates are a family of chemicals which can be used in the manufacture of foams, paints and varnishes.  Spray painters, mechanics and other factory workers may develop this condition. The asthma may not develop until several weeks or months have passed after the initial exposure.

Exposure to laboratory animals is a cause of asthma. Laboratory technicians, laboratory workers and scientists may develop this condition. The asthma may not develop until several weeks or months have passed after the initial exposure.

A resin called colophony is a very common cause of asthma. It is used as a solder flux in the electronics industry. When colophony is being used, it gives off fumes, which are dangerous if inhaled and could cause occupational asthma several weeks or even months after the exposure.

Exposure to latex is a cause of asthma. Nurses, other hospital staff and laboratory workers who wear rubber gloves containing latex may develop this condition. The asthma may not develop until several weeks or months have passed after the initial exposure.

Remember, even if you’re not sure, Redress can still advise you free of charge at this stage and are here to help you with any questions you may have...