Stephen Hasner | Workers' Compensation | July 25, 2023
Individuals handling, processing, and storing various grains like corn, wheat, oats, and rice may suffer health issues due to their exposure to grain dust particles. Grain dust is a refined powder byproduct common in agriculture, food processing plants, and milling grain storage facilities.
Inhaling or suffering continuous exposure to grain dust may lead to severe health issues.
Types of Health Risks Associated With Grain Dust Exposure
As grains are handled or processed, they emit fine particles into the air and surrounding environment, which those nearby can inhale. Grain dust poses diverse health hazards for workers, as they spend hours daily in the workplace. The following are a few examples of common health risks associated with grain dust exposure:
- Respiratory Issues: Inhaling grain dust can cause irritation in the respiratory system and potentially lead to conditions like bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and grain fever.
- Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS): Exposure to substantial amounts of grain dust can lead to an acute febrile illness called Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS). ODTS may manifest flu-like symptoms, such as headache, muscle aches, and fever.
- Allergies: The constant exposure may lead to some workers developing allergies to specific grains and result in an allergic reaction.
- Fungal Infections: Grain dust can harbor fungi and molds, increasing the risk of respiratory infections like farmer’s lung, a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Grain dust can lead to additional dangers, as the particles may create flammable and explosive atmospheres and thus poses a significant fire risk in storage facilities if not handled correctly. Given grain dust’s potential health and safety risks, employers must implement appropriate safety measures and provide workers with proper personal protective equipment and training to minimize exposure and ensure a safe working environment.
While in other industries, employees have the opportunity to receive workers’ compensation from their employer, farm laborers and agricultural workers are not generally included in this law. Unfortunately, Georgia legislation does not require employers to have workers’ compensation for farm laborers and agricultural workers—which means workers in these industries need to file an injury claim to obtain compensation for a work-related injury.
Why Choose an Experienced Hasner Law Attorney?
Grain dust exposure can lead to severe and enduring health issues, making it a complex concern for agricultural workers. When employers or other parties fail to provide the necessary safety equipment, training, and protective measures, they may be held responsible for any injuries sustained by their employees.
At Hasner Law, we understand the challenges agricultural workers face and are committed to advocating for the compensation they rightfully deserve. We take pride in safeguarding our communities and ensuring negligent parties are held accountable for their actions. Farmers and those involved in handling grains play a crucial role in society and deserve a healthy and safe work environment. Our team is prepared to fight fiercely for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Hasner Law for a Highly-Qualified Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
When an employer fails to provide a safe work environment and causes severe harm, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. Our highly-qualified lawyers at Hasner Law understand how employers and insurance companies work to limit the compensation offered for your injuries and will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive payment for your damages.
Our team has over eight decades of collective experience successfully handling thousands of workers’ compensation claims. By creating customized plans tailored to your unique needs and guiding you through the legal and medical process, our team can provide you with the best possible outcome for your claim. Schedule a free consultation with a Hasner Law team member today by calling (678) 928-8784 or filling out our contact form.
