Most Dangerous Jobs in South Carolina: Asbestos Exposure

There are serious risks involved in almost every line of work, but when most people think of workplace hazards, they imagine physical injuries. There is one particularly hazardous risk factor that often goes overlooked in the most dangerous jobs in South Carolina: asbestos exposure. It is possible to encounter asbestos in various workplaces, and this can cause the development of fatal mesothelioma.

Most Dangerous Jobs for Asbestos Exposure

For decades in the United States, asbestos was widely used in all types of applications due to its fireproofing and insulating capabilities. It took decades for the serious health issues this substance presents to become visible, and since that time, extensive steps have been taken to eliminate the risk of asbestos exposure in all types of workplaces throughout the United States.

When it comes to the most dangerous jobs in the state, asbestos exposure continues to be a threat to many workers, and there are thousands of mesothelioma cases reported each year. It is imperative to understand the health risks you face in your workplace and for everyone to be aware of the workplaces in which asbestos exposure remains a serious concern:

• Construction workers face some of the greatest asbestos risks in the state, especially during demolition operations. If you are required to help demolish an older building and the building contains asbestos, it could mean that asbestos might be released into the area when the building comes down. The strictest safety standards must be followed during any type of demolition of buildings containing asbestos.
• Manufacturing. Many manufacturing facilities throughout the state require the use of asbestos, and many older facilities still contain asbestos. If you are required to work with or near any material containing asbestos, your employer is required to follow the highest safety protocols and ensure everyone in the workplace has appropriate protective equipment.
• Plumbing. Working with older plumbing systems could mean coming into contact with asbestos-containing insulation. Older boilers, water heaters, and plumbing systems were often built using asbestos insulation and other materials that can gradually create serious health risks over time as these materials deteriorate.
• Utility workers, especially those working in power plants and electrical facilities, commonly face asbestos exposure in these workplaces. Asbestos is still present in these facilities due to its fireproofing capabilities.
• Mining operations inherently pose a risk of asbestos exposure as this is a naturally occurring substance. Whenever asbestos deposits are located, mining operations must take careful steps not to disturb these deposits and release asbestos fibers into the air.

These are only a few examples of the most dangerous jobs for asbestos exposure. While there have been extensive efforts made throughout the United States to eliminate the risks of asbestos, many mesothelioma cases are reported in the state and across the country each year. If you or a loved one has been exposed, it is crucial to know your legal options in this situation when it comes to securing compensation for your damages.

Claiming Benefits for Mesothelioma From Work

South Carolina law requires most employers to have workers’ compensation insurance, and this insurance can apply to any type of illness or injury acquired from work. If you are hurt or become ill from working, you likely have the ability to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits through your employer. However, asbestos-related medical conditions can cause extensive damage, so it is vital to know how to maximize the results of your recovery efforts.

A typical workers’ compensation claim will yield two types of benefits to the affected worker. First, their employer’s insurance carrier will pay for all of the medical expenses related to their workplace injury or illness. Second, the claimant can receive disability benefits for the time they are unable to work because of their condition.

Wallace & Graham, P.A., can provide the legal representation you need once you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure at work. We know how to help our clients navigate the workers’ compensation claim filing process, and we can assist you in exploring any alternative avenues of recovery that might be available to you in this difficult situation.

FAQs

Q: Where Is Asbestos Found Today?

A: Asbestos can be found today in various buildings throughout the United States. While great efforts were made to remove asbestos wherever possible, some asbestos-containing materials have instead been chemically neutralized to prevent the release of asbestos particles if they are disturbed. In some of the most dangerous jobs in the state, asbestos exposure continues to be one of the most serious risks facing workers in various industries.

Q: What Workplaces in the state Contain the Greatest Risk of Asbestos Exposure?

A: Some of the workplaces in the state that contain the greatest risk of asbestos exposure include construction sites, manufacturing facilities, shipyards, mining operations, textile operations, and more. Individuals who are required to work in older buildings, such as plumbers, may also encounter asbestos during the course of performing their job duties.

Q: What Are the Dangers of Asbestos Exposure?

A: The greatest danger of asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a lung cancer that develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled and embedded in the lung tissue. It can take decades for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear after exposure, and the condition is commonly misdiagnosed as a less serious condition. However, once mesothelioma is detectable, it has usually reached a critical state, and this is, unfortunately, a terminal form of lung cancer.

Q: Can I Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Asbestos Exposure in South Carolina?

A: Yes, it is possible to claim workers’ compensation benefits for asbestos exposure in the state, but you must be prepared to prove that your condition directly resulted from performing your job duties and/or exposure in your work environment. An experienced attorney can guide you through the claim filing process and help you gather the evidence you will need to prove the root cause of your condition.

When it comes to the most dangerous jobs in the state, asbestos exposure is commonly overlooked due to more obvious safety hazards in some industries, but it should never be disregarded. If you or a family member developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure at work, the team at Wallace & Graham, P.A., can help you determine your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.