Most Dangerous Jobs in North Carolina: Asbestos Exposure

Many types of work are inherently dangerous, and all industries present unique safety hazards. However, there is one issue that is commonly overlooked when it comes to assessing the most dangerous jobs in North Carolina: asbestos exposure. Any exposure to asbestos can potentially cause fatal mesothelioma, and it is vital to know what you can do if you or a loved one has developed this medical condition from your work.

Most Dangerous Jobs in North Carolina for Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos has been used in countless applications throughout the United States for decades due to its superior fireproofing capability, but it is an extremely dangerous substance that continues to cause adverse medical complications to thousands of workers throughout many industries. It’s important to know the risks you might face while working and the most dangerous jobs in North Carolina for asbestos exposure:

• Construction. Demolition is a particularly dangerous aspect of the construction industry when it comes to asbestos exposure. If you are responsible for helping demolish an older building, the building could contain various forms of asbestos-containing materials. Destruction of the building may release asbestos fibers into the surrounding area, so the utmost caution must be observed during such operations.
• Manufacturing. Many products are still made today that contain asbestos, and it is vital for any such operation to adhere to the strictest safety measures at all times. If your manufacturing position requires you to work with or near anything containing asbestos, it is vital to fully understand and follow all applicable safety regulations to minimize your risk of exposure.
• Plumbing. Because asbestos was used as insulation and fireproofing material for decades, it is possible for plumbers to come into contact with these materials when they work on older plumbing systems.
• Utility and power plant work. Any facility that manages power or uses electrical systems requires careful insulation, and older facilities may still contain asbestos.
• Shipyards. Asbestos was commonly used in shipbuilding and vessel maintenance. It is possible to encounter asbestos in some older watercraft as well as in the shipyards themselves.

These are just a few possible points of exposure for workers in North Carolina. Despite great efforts made throughout the United States to minimize the risks of asbestos exposure, thousands of new mesothelioma cases are reported each year, and anyone who has been exposed to asbestos while working needs to know their rights and legal options in this situation.

Addressing a Mesothelioma Diagnosis From Work

In North Carolina, virtually every employer in the state is legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance, and this insurance will help pay for an injured worker’s damages when they suffer an injury at work. This insurance also applies to illnesses and medical conditions acquired from the workplace. If you have developed any type of asbestos-related health condition from work, you likely have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim.

Workers’ compensation benefits typically include medical expense coverage and disability benefits if the affected worker is unable to work due to their condition. Unfortunately, there are limits to how much workers’ compensation insurance can provide. An experienced attorney can help in this situation, assisting their client in determining whether they have grounds for any further legal recourse that might yield a more expansive recovery.

Wallace & Graham, P.A., can provide comprehensive legal support if you believe you have been exposed to asbestos while working. We have years of experience helping those diagnosed with mesothelioma explore all of their legal options for recovery and will put this experience to work for you in your recovery efforts. It is vital to connect with a trustworthy attorney right away if you believe you have grounds to file any type of asbestos-related legal claim in North Carolina.

FAQs

Q: Is Asbestos Still Used Today?

A: Asbestos is still used today but in very carefully controlled applications that must follow the highest safety standards. Workers who must handle asbestos-containing materials must be provided with appropriate safety equipment and employers are required to abide by applicable regulations very carefully. Most industrial and manufacturing applications that previously used asbestos have since pivoted to using alternative materials to eliminate health risks.

Q: What Workplaces Contain the Most Asbestos?

A: Many workplaces contain asbestos, including manufacturing facilities, shipyards, mining operations, and more. It is also important to remember that many buildings constructed decades ago were built using asbestos-containing materials, and widespread efforts have been made throughout the United States to carefully identify asbestos risks and remove all asbestos-containing materials wherever they are found.

Q: How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?

A: Asbestos causes mesothelioma when asbestos fibers embed in the lungs. Whenever any material containing asbestos is disturbed it can release asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers are small and light enough to remain suspended in still air for several days, during which time they may be aspirated into the lungs. Mesothelioma has a very long incubation period, so it can take decades for symptoms to appear following exposure.

Q: Can You Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Asbestos Exposure?

A: Yes, it is possible to claim workers’ compensation benefits for asbestos exposure as long as you can prove that your exposure occurred during the course of you performing your job duties. North Carolina law requires almost every employer to have workers’ compensation insurance, and this insurance can provide medical expense coverage and disability benefits to workers who suffer injuries or develop illnesses from their work.

Q: What Occupation Is Most Likely to Deal With Asbestos Exposure?

A: The occupations most likely to deal with asbestos exposure include construction and manufacturing. Not only may workers in these fields be required to use materials that contain asbestos, but they also work in facilities that were built using asbestos-containing materials. Other high-risk jobs include plumbing, which may require working on older plumbing systems insulated with asbestos and working in power plants or other utility-providing facilities.

When it comes to the most dangerous jobs in North Carolina, asbestos exposure is often overlooked as a risk factor. The team at Wallace & Graham, P.A., has helped many past clients build effective cases for mesothelioma from work, and it is important to know the value of having legal counsel you trust if you believe you have grounds to file such a case. Contact us today for legal counsel if you believe you have been exposed while working.