Work Injuries Caused by Cement and Concrete

Millions of cubic yards of cement and concrete are poured throughout the U.S. every year without incident, but there are some instances where workers are injured. Workers who deal with concrete and cement products may be at risk of suffering serious injuries and health problems, including concrete burns. Without the right safety equipment and training on how to deal with these substances, workers may experience concrete burns from chemicals and may even develop certain types of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory disorders. The medical expenses, missed work and other losses caused by injuries of this nature can be life-changing. Fortunately, Napoli Shkolnik, PLLC is here to help.

From our headquarters in New York City and with additional offices in Florida, Texas, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, and North Carolina our firm represents injured and ill workers across the country. We handle workers’ compensation and personal injury cases on behalf of those who have suffered concrete burns or who have developed serious health problems caused by exposure to cement or concrete. If you would like to learn more about your right to benefits or compensation, we welcome you to call our offices for a free and confidential consultation. Legal representation can make all the difference as you approach a workers’ comp claim or weigh your options in filing a personal injury lawsuit for your concrete burns. Should you work with our firm, you will have the added benefit of having your information in our secure database, which can store specifics about your exposure and injuries for future litigation.

Our Database Can Store & Track Information for Future Litigation

When dealing with a workers’ compensation claim that involves injuries caused by exposure to a hazardous substance, such as cement or concrete, keeping detailed medical information is crucial. Our database has the ability to store key information about your exposure, injuries and other applicable data about your concrete burns for future litigation. Should the need arise, we will have the information we need at our fingertips to better support your case.

Health Hazards Presented by Concrete and Cement

Cement is a mixture made from limestone, silicon, iron, calcium, aluminum and other ingredients. After being superheated in large kilns, it is ground into a powder and a substance called gypsum is added. When water is added to this powder, a chemical process is triggered that allows the cement to harden as it dries. Concrete is made by using cement to bind aggregate (crushed stone, sand and rock) together, then adding gypsum to start a similar chemical process that allows it to harden when it dries. Exposure to these chemicals can cause severe concrete burns.

Concrete and cement are used in a variety of ways, and as such various workers may have to work with these substances. These workers should be aware of the very serious health problems cement and concrete may present.

Chemical concrete burns are the most common type of injury sustained by cement workers. Wet cement can cause serious burns if it becomes trapped against the skin, most likely because of its high alkaline content. Certain forms of cancer and respiratory disorders can also be caused by exposure to cement and concrete. Inhalation of cement or concrete dust, for example, can cause irritation of the nose, throat and entire respiratory tract.

Employers Have an Obligation to Take Proper Safety Measures

Employers are required to provide proper information, training and safety equipment to workers who deal with cement and concrete. This includes educating workers on the hazards of dealing with these substances and informing them of the proper measures to take to avoid exposure and concrete burns. Employers are required to provide the proper safety equipment, which may include respirators, goggles and protective clothing.

Whether your employer was negligent in implementing safety measures or if your injuries or exposure occurred as the result of an accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A New York workers’ compensation lawyer at our firm can determine what benefits you may be entitled to and can pursue these on your behalf. Contact our office for a free case review to get started.

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