Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes breathing increasingly more difficult. It develops slowly over many years and, at first, you may not even be aware you have it.
Most people with COPD do not have any noticeable symptoms until they reach their late 40s or 50s.
Symptoms of COPD include:
- Increasing breathlessness
- A persistent chesty cough with phlegm that does not go away
- Frequent chest infections
- Persistent wheezing
Exposure to certain types of dust and chemicals at work can damage your lungs and thus significantly increase your risk of COPD. Substances that have been linked to COPD include:
- Cadmium dust and fumes
- Grain and flour dust
- Silica dust
- Welding fumes
- Isocyanates
- Coal dust
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, all employers have a duty of care to their employees. They must ensure they are protected from any potential health risks. This includes providing personal protective equipment (PPE), which can limit exposure to any damaging substances
If you think you are suffering from COPD which has been caused by your place of work, then you need to speak to GA’s industrial disease team today. Our experienced team is ranked in celebrated legal directories, The Legal 500 and Chambers UK so you can be assured you are in the best possible hands.
For a no obligation discussion, and to ask about our no win, no fee service, please call 01752 203500 today. You can also contact us by emailing enquiries@GAsolicitors.com or by using our online contact form.