Hazardous substances

Hazardous substances overview

Hazardous substances are defined as substances that can cause harm to people, other living organisms, property or the environment. Exposure to hazardous substances often occurs in manual operations and the working environment where a wide range of chemicals are used as part of manufacturing processes.

How injuries from hazardous substances occur

Injuries occur from all of the following methods when working with hazardous substances. Exposure by breathing in; once breathed in, some substances can attack the nose, throat or lungs while others get into the body through the lungs and harm other parts of the body, eg the liver. Exposure by skin contact; some substances damage skin, while others pass through it and damage other parts of the body. Skin contamination; by direct contact with the substance or by contact with contaminated surfaces. Exposure by swallowing; chemicals transferred from hands to mouths by eating etc. Exposure to the eyes. Exposure by skin puncture.

Hazardous substances next steps

If you wish to see if you have a compensation claim as a result of a hazardous substances, please contact us. Please also use the information on the pages below to find out more.