Learn if you’re at risk of lead poisoning at work and how to file a claim to maximize your benefits in Georgia
Workplace exposure to toxic chemicals like lead is a significant hazard in a variety of Georgia industries. Despite modern safety practices, many workers in Georgia remain at risk of lead exposure. This toxic metal can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, brain damage, and even death.
While there are ways to minimize the risks, some jobs just can’t be done without working with lead, so workers need to be aware of the dangers and be on the lookout for symptoms of lead poisoning to prevent serious long-term health issues.
This guide will help you understand if you’re at risk, the signs of exposure and toxicity, and how to file a workers’ comp claim in Georgia if you get sick from lead exposure at work.
If you need help filing a claim or want to better understand the compensation you’re entitled to before accepting a settlement offer, reach out to the knowledgeable Atlanta work injury attorneys at Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for a free consultation.
Which trades are most at risk from lead poisoning?
Lead exposure at work is less common today than it was in the past, thanks to stricter regulations, improved workplace safety standards, and an increased awareness of the health risks associated with lead.
However, it remains a concern in certain industries and occupations. In fact, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 804,000 workers in general industries and 838,000 in the construction sector may be exposed to lead in their workplaces annually. That’s more than 1.6 million workers!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 4 industries that most commonly expose workers to lead include:
- Manufacturing. Factory workers have the highest risk of lead exposure in the U.S., with more than 50% of workers exposed to lead working in the manufacturing sector. Those most at risk include workers in battery production, lead smelting, and metal recycling.
- Construction. Construction workers involved in renovation, painting, and demolition activities are at increased risk due to the potential disturbance of lead-based materials, especially in older buildings.
- Mining. Lead mining and processing operations expose mine workers to elevated lead levels, placing this industry among the highest risk categories for occupational exposure.
- Services. This includes occupations in e-waste recycling, firing range operations, jewelry maintenance, ceramics, pottery, and stained-glass work, where lead exposure can be a significant concern.
While lead exposure is a significant occupational hazard, lead poisoning is entirely preventable. Proper safety measures and worker training can better protect workers in high-risk roles from the harmful effects of lead exposure and poisoning.
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How do workers get exposed to lead?
The way workers are exposed to lead often depends on the industry they work in and how lead is handled or processed. Below are the main ways workers are exposed to lead on the job:
- Skin contact with lead-containing substances. While absorption through the skin is less common, certain lead compounds, such as lead-based paints or leaded fuel, can be dangerous if mishandled.
- Ingestion of lead particles. Workers can accidentally ingest lead when they touch their mouths, eat, or drink without thoroughly washing their hands after handling lead-contaminated materials.
- Contact with lead-contaminated surfaces. Dust and particles can settle on work surfaces, tools, and clothing, creating additional exposure risks if not adequately cleaned or contained.
- Inhalation of lead dust or fumes. This is the most common way a person is exposed to lead. This occurs when workers breathe in tiny lead particles generated while welding, soldering, cutting, or grinding lead-based materials. Lead exposure can worsen when air filtration systems are improperly or irregularly maintained.
- Take-home exposure. Lead easily sticks to clothes, shoes, and personal belongings, so workers often bring lead home with them, lengthening the time they are exposed and even exposing those they live with.
Employers are vital in reducing lead exposure risks. This involves establishing strong safety measures, supplying adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and respirators, ensuring proper ventilation, and conducting regular health screenings for employees.
Workers must also take some responsibility by following all safety protocols and using the provided PPE. Continuous monitoring and thorough training programs are necessary to lower the risk of lead exposure at work.
How can I tell if I’ve been exposed to lead?
Identifying lead exposure can be challenging, as its symptoms often resemble other illnesses. If you’ve been exposed to high levels of lead over a short period, you might experience:
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- A metallic taste
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headache, exhaustion, irritability, or weakness
- Memory loss
- Pain or tingling in your hands or feet
With prolonged exposure, symptoms may include:
- Increased abdominal pain, nausea, and constipation
- Depression, irritability, or mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness
- Increased blood pressure
- Decreased lung function
- Bone or tooth loss
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Fertility issues in both men and women
Given the nonspecific nature of these symptoms, it’s crucial to inform your health care provider if you or someone in your household works with lead.
A blood lead level test can determine the amount of lead in your blood. Be sure to discuss this option with your doctor if your workplace doesn’t offer routine testing.
What can happen due to lead exposure or poisoning?
Lead poisoning can cause a wide range of health problems, affecting nearly every organ and system in the body. Below are the primary health effects associated with occupational lead exposure:
- Brain damage
- Cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure and hypertension
- Neurological issues and nerve disorders
- Infertility in both men and women
- Kidney damage
- Hearing loss
- Muscle and joint pain
- Death
While a single high-level exposure can be harmful, long-term or prolonged exposure to lower levels of lead is often more dangerous due to its cumulative effects. Frequent screening and early intervention are key to identifying lead exposure and minimizing health risks.
Can I get workers’ comp if I become sick from lead exposure at work in Georgia?
Yes, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation in Georgia if you become sick from lead exposure at work. Georgia requires most employers with 3 or more employees (including part-time workers) to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, which covers work-related injuries and occupational illnesses like those caused by hazardous substances, including lead.
Workers’ comp benefits can include coverage for medical expenses, a portion of your wage loss if you’re unable to work temporarily or permanently, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits if your loved one passes away from work-related lead exposure.
While you don’t need to prove that your employer was to blame for your lead exposure to get workers’ comp benefits, you do need to prove that your lead poisoning was a direct result of your work environment.
To reduce the chances of a denied claim, it’s best to work with a local Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney who can help you gather the evidence you need to strengthen your claim.
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How do I file for workers’ comp in Georgia?
Filing for workers’ compensation in Georgia involves several key steps, which must be completed within strict timelines. They include the following:
- Seek medical attention. Visit an employer-approved health care provider immediately to address your symptoms and obtain documentation of your illness. A blood test confirming lead exposure is essential evidence for your claim.
- Notify your employer. Under Georgia law, you must notify your employer within 30 days of learning about your work-related illness or disease. Timely reporting is essential to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
- File a claim. To formally initiate the claim process, you must complete and submit Form WC-14 to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia within 1 year. Your employer’s insurance will have 21 days to review the claim and make a decision.
- Contact an attorney if needed. If your claim is denied or you face challenges during the process, consult with a lawyer experienced in Georgia workers’ compensation law to protect your rights.
Given the complexities involved in occupational disease claims, a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney can significantly increase your chance of a successful claim. In addition to helping you gather evidence, they can handle negotiations with insurers to ensure you receive the maximum benefits allowed under Georgia law.
Contact Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for help with your claim
If you’ve become seriously ill from lead exposure or any other work-related illness in Georgia, don’t try to navigate the complex workers’ compensation process alone.
With over 100 years of combined experience, the skilled Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys at Gerber & Elkins can help you get the full compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal stuff so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today for a free consultation.
References
Shaffer, R. M., & Gilbert, S. G. (2017). Reducing occupational lead exposures: Strengthened standards for a healthy workforce. NeuroToxicology, 69, 181–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2017.10.009
Tsai, R., & Mobley, A. (2022, October 24). Workplace Lead Exposure Trends | Blogs | CDC. cdc.gov. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2022/10/24/lead-trends/
