The risks involved with work-related tasks vary from job to job. Some people may face relatively low-risk work, and others may be at a significant risk of illness or injury due to their work environment or duties. Some workers may have to contend with toxic exposure while on the job, and if the proper protections are not taken, workers could be adversely affected.
Some California workers may fall into what the Occupational Safety and Health Administration calls category 1. Category 1 employees face the most health risks associated with coming across hazardous materials involved with their jobs than workers in other categories. In some cases, category 1 employees could be exposed to hazardous chemicals that pose a serious health risk even if exposed for a short period of time.
Some chemicals that can pose such risks include explosive or pyrotechnic materials, aerosols, flammable gases, self-igniting solids and certain fuels. Proper labeling of these materials can help ensure that category 1 workers know that they are handling hazardous materials. Employers should also provide workers with the appropriate protective equipment while on the job, provide necessary training and ensure that workers understand the risks involved.
Toxic exposure is a serious hazard, and even a seemingly minor mishap with a category 1 worker could lead to serious harm. If California workers have suffered illness or injury due to such exposure on the job, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, obtaining these benefits is not always easy, so it may be valuable for injured workers to reach out to experienced workers’ comp attorneys for assistance.
