Industrial Diseases If you are suffering from any of the following conditions because of your work you may be entitled to compensation:- - Vibration White Finger
- Asbestos related Disease
- Repetitive Strain Injury
- Dermatitis / Allergies
- Chest / Breathing Problems
Vibration White Finger Vibration White Finger (VWF) is a recognised condition, commonly affecting those workers that regularly use vibratory, rotating or percussive hand guided power tools. Prolonged exposure to such machinery can cause damage to the hand and arm by impaired blood circulation, damage to the nerve supply and musculoskeletal damage. The Symptoms: - Numbness or Whiteness
- Tingling sensation in fingers
- Loss of grip
- Condition deteriorates in Cold weather
Symptoms include a tingling sensation and numbness or a distinct whiteness to parts of the finger that can become worse when exposed to cold weather. More severe symptoms include a feeling of loss of grip and reduced dexterity. Industrial Deafness Industrial deafness is a recognised industrial disease which is triggered by prolonged exposure to excessive levels of noise. If you have worked in a noisy environment and have not been offered ear protection, or feel you have received insufficient training in using your ear protection and now have trouble hearing others speak, of suffer from noises or ringing in your ears you may have a claim. Symptoms: - Worked in an environment of excessive noise
- Ringing in your ears
- Suffered temporary deafness
- Difficulty hearing others speak, particularly if you are in an environment where you are in background noise
Asbestos Related Disease Asbestos related diseases are caused by fibres of asbestos which are inhaled. The amount of asbestos a worker has been exposed to will depend upon a number of factors including, duration of exposure, fibre concentration in the air and their breathing rate. Common examples of people that have been or that currently are in contact with asbestos are electricians, Plumbers and roofers. Prolonged exposure to the mineral is known to be capable of causing several types of disease including Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer. Symptoms: - Tight Chest
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Poor sleep and Appetite loss
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Repetitive Strain Injury occurs from repeated physical movements or sustained static movements to a limb resulting in damage to tendons, nerves, muscle and other soft body tissue. Other related conditions include Trigger Finger, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and Tenosynovitis. Symptoms: - Swelling
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Tingling
The symptoms of RSI often include discomfort, numbness, burning and coldness usually in the fingers, hands, wrists, shoulders, back or neck. Dermatitis / Allergies Dermatitis can be casued by exposure to may different substances including rubber (for example in rubber gloves), various different metals, chemicals etc. Health care workers are particularly at risk of developing allergies to latex gloves. The risks of allergies to the chemicals used in latex gloves have been well known to dermatologists since the 1930's. The more dangerous allergies to latex protein became known in the 1980's. Your employer is obliged by law to carry out a risk assessment in relation to your employment and identify any substances that could cause you to suffer an allergic reaction. They must monitor and assess the levels of allergens in your workplace and take all reasonable steps to reduce the levels. If the levels cannot be reduced to a safe level, your employer must provide suitable personal protective equipment such as face-masks, Respiratory protection, gloves, overalls or other suitable protective equipment to stop your exposure. Your employer must tell you about the risks of exposure to the allergens. Chest / Breathing Problems Exposure to dust and fumes at work can result in the development of severe types of chest infections including Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. Symptoms: - Coughing bouts
- Shortness of breath
- Tight chest
- Fatigue and wheezing
Symptoms can vary according to the specific type of chest disease however usual symptoms include coughing, breathlessness, fatigue and wheezing. Time Limits You should pursue your claim immediately. A person usually only has 3 years to issue court proceedings against an opponent from the date they are aware they are suffering from a significant injury and connect that to their employment. Since many industrial diseases are progressive diseases and comes on over a period of time, many claimants may already be out of time however the court has discretion to waive the three year time limit. The court is unlikely to waive the 3 year time limit where a claim has not been pursued at the earliest opportunity. | 
