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What to Do if You've Been Exposed to Asbestos at Work

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Posted: 31st January 2025
Lawyer Monthly
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In this Article

Exposure to asbestos is a significant health risk, no matter if it happens just once or over a short period. Taking prompt action is essential to safeguard your well-being. This blog will outline the steps you should take if you've been exposed and provide guidance on how to effectively prevent contact with asbestos fibres in the first place.

Get Medical Help

It’s essential to get medical attention right away. The care your healthcare provider recommends will depend on how recently you were exposed. For example, if your exposure was recent or a one-time, low-risk event, your doctor may not be able to test for asbestos-related illnesses yet. However, they will document the exposure in your medical records and continue monitoring your health.

If you experienced prolonged exposure in the past, your doctor may focus on scanning your lungs and keeping track of any symptoms you develop. Asbestos-related illnesses usually take more than 20 years to show noticeable symptoms.

Record How You Were Exposed

To support your asbestos exposure claim, it's essential to have documented proof. Employment-related records, such as pay slips, tax filings, business documents, or military service records, can serve as valuable evidence by verifying your work history during the relevant period.

Since asbestos-related illnesses often take years to manifest, connecting with former colleagues can also be useful. They might be facing similar health issues and could have collected documentation or other evidence to assist their own claims, which may also support yours.

Evaluate the Risk

The key factors influencing the risk of asbestos-related illnesses are the duration, method, and level of exposure. For example, individuals renovating older buildings without proper protective gear or ventilation are at a significantly higher risk compared to someone working in a building containing asbestos insulation. However, both groups could still develop an asbestos-related condition.

Understand that asbestos poses the greatest threat when its fibers and particles become airborne. Because of this, workers in construction and demolition are particularly vulnerable to high exposure levels.

Contact Your Employer

Managing asbestos in the workplace ensures a safe and compliant environment. It's essential to inform your employer about any details regarding the time and location of ACM exposure. This information not only helps your employer effectively implement their asbestos management plan to maintain a secure workspace but also enables them to reach out to other employees who may have been exposed. Taking these steps ensures that everyone can address potential health concerns promptly and responsibly.

Focus on Keeping Yourself Healthy

After mitigating potential asbestos exposure risks, many assume there’s no further cause for concern, but this isn’t entirely true. It’s crucial to regularly consult your doctor for early detection of asbestos-related diseases, which can help prevent significant health issues down the line. Making healthy lifestyle choices lowers the risk of these diseases developing. This includes quitting smoking and staying up to date with all your vaccinations to support overall well-being.

Endnote

The most effective way to avoid exposure to asbestos fibres is by taking proactive steps. Avoid materials that may contain asbestos to minimize risk. Make an effort to learn about common sources of asbestos and follow safety precautions when operating in areas where it could be present.

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