From working with hazardous materials for over 20 years, the author has seen the importance of documenting exposure incidents no matter how small they may seem. Things like asbestos, silica dust and toxic chemicals can cause health issues that show up years later, and good records are key to getting workers compensation if that day comes. Here’s why taking the time to report exposures now pays off down the track.
Why report exposures immediately?
There are two critical reasons to report hazardous exposures the moment they occur:
Immediate Treatment Proper documentation when a workplace exposure happens means the worker gets appropriate immediate treatment. Whether it’s first aid, decontamination or medical checks, this swift response can stop further harm. However, without details like when, where and how it occurred, workers miss out on rapid assistance.
In one case early in the author’s career, a builder sanding old paint without a mask later complained of breathing troubles. But with no exposure report, dangerous lead dust inhalation was not considered. An exposure report would have led to blood level tests and treatment avoiding long-term issues.
Support future compensation
Additionally, detailed exposure reports create a paper trail for future compensation claims. Say a construction worker frequently dealt with uncovered asbestos 15 years ago. Now diagnosed with asbestos-related disease, documenting those incidents with dates, exposure estimates and more can mean the difference between a successful work cover claim or not.
Key details to include
Based on 20+ years of experience, key details to cover in an occupational exposure report are:
- Date, time and location of exposure
- Known or likely hazardous material(s) involved
- Estimate of exposure duration
- How exposure occurred (inhalation, skin contact etc.)
- Use of any PPE like respirators
- Names of witnesses or other affected workers
Photographic evidence can also help document contaminated sites or unsafe work processes, increasing future claim validity.
Avoiding repeat incidents
Furthermore, exposure documentation drives positive change in workplaces by highlighting risks needing control. By logging an issue through incident reporting rather than just verbally mentioning it, organisations are prompted to implement better methods to prevent recurrences.
For example, a painter reported minor solvent vertigo that would normally go unrecorded. This created an investigation stopping use of toxic chemicals lacking fume extraction. Without documentation triggering review, harmful exposures could repeat endangering workers like the author down the track.
Inhalation exposures
- Breathing in airborne dusts, mists or fumes is the most frequent exposure pathway. Tiny particles can embed deep in lungs causing issues.
- Use respirators appropriately based on contamination level.
Skin contact exposures
- Materials splashed onto skin can absorb into the body. Includes liquid splashes or handling dusty materials.
- Wear gloves suitable for the hazard and wash affected skin promptly.
Ingestion exposures
- Swallowing hazardous materials is uncommon but serious if workers consume contaminated food/drinks.
- Prevent hand to mouth transfer and separate work/eats areas.
Conclusion
In 20+ years around occupational hazards, the writer has learned vital lessons about diligent exposure reporting. While excessive paperwork is never welcomed on busy project sites, taking 5 minutes to record exposure details can have career or life-saving outcomes. Workers sometimes underestimate documentation importance but can face consequences years later if health issues emerge. Be sure to completely report exposure incidents for your own welfare down the track. The small upfront effort provides peace of mind.
