Illnesses suffered by individuals as a direct result of their working environment are more common than you might think. Unlike injuries, illnesses are less obvious and can develop over an extended period of time.

If you believe that you are suffering from an industrial illness or any other illness, you will need to visit a doctor. Outlined below are a list and brief description of the most popular illnesses caused from working environments.

Asbestos This disease results from inhaling asbestos fibers which aggravate the lungs resulting in scarring of the lungs. The illness can also further develop into Fibrosis. Exposure to Asbestos can also trigger other serious conditions such as Mesothelioma, lung disease and pleural thickening.

Work environments regularly linked to Asbestos disease are Asbestos plants, shipyards, heating and air conditioning firms, industrial chemical plants, schools, railway and electrical industries, chemical laboratories and building and construction. The disease can also indirectly affect individuals; workers in contact with Asbestos generally carried the fibers on the clothes, depositing them in their home and social environments.

You have the right to make a legal claim against Asbestos exposure if you were in contact between 1950-1985

Mesothelioma, Exposure to Asbestos fibers and dust can also cause Mesothelioma cancer, which affects the cells which cover the body’s internal organs. The Cancer usually takes 20 – 50 years to develop.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) A person suffering from RSI usually suffers from pain in their muscles, nerves and tendons. The condition normally effects the upper parts of the body; the forearm, wrists, elbows,neck, hands and shoulders and is caused from repeatedly undertaking a particular task over a long period of time.

Vibration White Finger Caused from working with vibrating machinery or extended exposure to cold weather. This illness’ symptoms commonly include numb and tingling fingers and the toes, or in the nose and ears. In severe cases a persons fingers will start to turn white. In extreme cases the person can loose there fingers.

Tinnitus Tinnitus sufferers experience ringing, buzzing, humming or whistling noises in the ears and/or head with no external source, the noises vary in pitch, the location in the head can not always be directly pin pointed. generally caused from exposure to loud noise; factory workers working with loud machinery.

If you believe that you are suffering from an illness as a result of your working environment it is standard practice to claim for compensation with a Personal Injury Lawyer. Companies are covered by insurance, for issues that arise like work illness, don’t be afraid to speak out, by doing so you will help to prevent more cases and help to improve working environments.

Want to find out more about mesothelioma compensation, or think you may have an industrial deafness claim then Oliver & Co’s specialist solicitors can help.