These 8 jobs are at high risk for mesothelioma

Whether you’ve been working at the same job in the Carolinas for decades or have been employed in various industries, you no doubt have always tried to stay safe in the workplace and while traveling to and from your job. It’s understandable that you’d be mindful of motor vehicle safety or exhibiting caution while you walk up or down stairs; however, you might not realize that there could be hidden dangers in your workplace, such as asbestos.

Since the 1940s, millions of workers across the country have faced the adverse effects of asbestos in the workplace. One of the most common injuries caused by asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a type of cancer for which there is no cure. There are several industries that have a higher risk factor for asbestos injuries than others.

Is your job included in this list?

The following list shows some of the types of jobs that expose workers to a high risk of asbestos:

• Construction work
• Fire and rescue
• Auto mechanics
• Demolition work<
• Drywall removal
• Shipyard work, particularly in the Navy
• Boiler room or pipe work<
• Work taking place in old buildings

If you see an object lying in a walkway that could cause you to trip, you can simply walk around it to avoid injury. You can’t see asbestos, however, because it’s microscopic, which means you could be ingesting or inhaling it at work without knowing.

If your employer is aware of an asbestos issue, you must be kept informed

North and South Carolina employers, as well as those throughout the United States, are obligated to help employees keep injury risks as low as possible by providing information, proper training and available equipment to help them stay safe on the job. If your employer is aware of an asbestos risk in your workplace, he or she must alert you to it.

Symptoms of mesothelioma are often delayed

Your days in a Navy shipyard or auto mechanic shop might be long over, if you’re retired. Then again, you might be a younger worker who is just starting out in your career in the industries mentioned earlier or in another type of work that is high risk for asbestos dangers. Mesothelioma is not an injury that is immediately apparent.

You might be exposed to asbestos in the workplace but not realize it has made you ill until years later. The most common types of symptoms that typically develop include a lingering cough, chest or abdomen discomfort, fatigue and trouble breathing. If you exhibit such symptoms, it’s a good idea to let your doctor know that you have worked in a job that has a high rate of asbestos-related injuries.

Obtaining palliative treatment for quality of life

Since there is no cure for mesothelioma, a treatment plan can alleviate discomfort as your symptoms progress. Such treatment might include prescription medication, surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

If you contracted an illness in the workplace, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial strain that may be associated with your medical care. Many mesothelioma patients have joined with others in litigation against those whose negligence was determined to be a causal factor of their injuries.