Going to work each day can be stressful. There’s no reason to add to that stress when chemicals are present in the office or on your worksite. Take as many safety precautions as possible when working with or near chemicals while on the job. The safety precautions put in place by your employer should be followed in an effort to prevent any accidents.

Employees who use chemicals, or work in a setting where chemicals are used often, can experience any of the following issues:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Asthma
• Nosebleeds
• Eye burns
• Skin burns
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Itchy eyes
• Red eyes
• Dizziness

It is required by law for your employer to provide you with a safe place to work, even if it involves chemicals. If chemicals are present at your workplace, your employer is required to provide you with the proper training and protective equipment necessary to shield you from the chemicals. Common protective equipment includes gloves, goggles, masks, booties and even full body suits.

It’s important that you know the safety procedures for handling chemicals at your workplace, where they are stored, how they should be stored and what to do should a spill or other accident occur.

Always wash your hands when done working with chemicals. Never eat or drink while working with chemicals. Do not touch your nose, mouth or eyes when handling chemicals as you can easily suffer an injury.

Were you hurt on the job by a chemical? Our Chicago workers’ compensation firm can protect your rights and help you acquire compensation for those injuries.