Improper monitoring of benzene toxicity in industrial workplaces leads to injury

Benzene is a well-known industrial chemical, which has been widely documented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an environmental hazard and human carcinogen. However, it is an integral manufacturing ingredient for a countless number of every day products. Derived from petroleum, benzene is widely used in the making of plastics, Styrofoam, detergents, rubbers, solvents, pesticides, and synthetic fibers, and many other consumer goods.

Unfortunately, many of these individuals could be at risk. They may be victims of exposure to high benzene levels, usually through either inhalation or skin absorption. Many occupational studies have documented that long-term exposure to benzene, even at lower levels, has resulted in workers contracting various blood disorders ranging from anemia to acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, a fatal disease.

Many industrial employers are exposing workers to a known carcinogen without adequate precautions. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workers are often unaware of potential hazards in their work environment, making them unnecessarily vulnerable. As noted in section 1910.1028 of the standards and regulations set forth by OSHA, “Employers must advise employees of all plant areas and operations where exposure to benzene could occur.”

Many workers do not realize that there are mandatory precautions and preventative measures which employers are required to provide to them when working with benzene. These measures include the continuous monitoring of air quality, the provision of protective clothing and equipment, established emergency procedures, and posted safety information. In many cases employees are entitled to regular medical examinations.

The OSHA states that benzene is primarily an inhalation hazard. This is why the constant monitoring of workplace air quality is essential. The OSHA states that the maximum time weighted average exposure limit to benzene vapor is 1 parts per million (ppm) for an 8-hour workday. The maximum short-term exposure is 5 ppm for any 15-minute period. When exposure meets or exceeds these levels, employers must either provide engineering controls or respirators approved by both the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

When workers are exposed to even half of the permissible levels of benzene vapor, or 0.5 ppm as an 8-hour time weighted average, they are entitled to medical surveillance. Within 60 days the employer must provide medical examinations and laboratory tests, at no cost to the worker. Annual examinations are also required to evaluate persistent blood abnormalities and maintain red cell, white cell, and platelet counts. A minimum battery of tests is crucial in detecting the early onset of leukemia.

Benzene-exposed workers or their representatives are entitled to the results of all medical examination records. If you are exposed to benzene in an industrial workplace you are also entitled to observe the “measurements that are representative of your exposure to benzene and…you are entitled to observe the steps taken in the measurement procedure.”

Make sure your rights are protected by contacting an industrial accident injury attorney or industrial accident lawyer at Jim Adler and Associates. If you have been, or continue to be exposed to benzene at an industrial workplace, make certain that your employer is providing you with the safety precautions and medical attention that you deserve. If you have suffered blood disorders, leukemia or other health complications due to an employer’s negligence with benzene-exposure, you could be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, as well as pain and suffering. Click on the link on this page, and Jim  S.Adler & Associates will provide you with a free case review.