USPS workers face a number of risks at work, and one of the most dangerous ones is toxic chemical exposure. Over 600,000 postal workers move packages of different sizes and compositions every day, ensuring that every American gets their mail or package, and this shows no sign of letting up due to the increase in the adoption of online shopping. In addition, some organizations may use the USPS to transport hazardous and sometimes toxic solids, liquids and gases, and the handling of these substances by postal workers may unwittingly put them in harm’s way due to a variety of reasons we’ll take a look at shortly.

If you were exposed to a toxic chemical, substance or gas, it may be likely that you may suffer some kind of biological harm on contact which may be immediate or delayed, requiring prompt treatment. Thanks to a piece of legislation passed in 1916 known as FECA, you have the right to seek compensation if you were injured due to toxic exposure, but the federal compensation process is anything but straightforward. Legal representation is recommended in order to jump through the hoops the Department of Labor puts up in order to catch frivolous and sometimes legitimate claims, and we’re here to help with that.

Experienced Legal Support for Injured USPS Workers Nationwide

Are you looking for a Federal Workers’ Compensation attorney? For close to three decades, the experienced injured postal worker lawyers at McCready Law have helped thousands of USPS workers just like you get the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand the intricacies of the application process, and we’ve handled the Office of Workers’ Compensation more times than we can count, so we know the process, its pitfalls, the common requests as well as reasons for denial like the back of our hands.

We serve all injured USPS workers across the country, and we run a bilingual office (hablamos Español). If you’d like to speak with someone regarding your postal worker toxic chemical exposure lawsuit, please give us a call NOW at 312-444-0214 to receive your initial, 100% FREE legal consultation into all things federal workers’ compensation. 

Common Forms of Toxic Exposure for USPS Workers

Toxic exposure can take on different forms as evidenced below:

Asbestos

This material was used before the 1980s to insulate buildings, as floor tiles and as ceiling panels due to its durability and efficiency. Asbestos, however, is now notoriously known for breaking apart and releasing microscopic fibers into the air, which can then be inhaled by postal workers. Over time, the buildup of asbestos fibers in the human body has been attributed to conditions such as lung cancer, asthma, mesothelioma and asbestosis. 

Lead

Exposure to this heavy metal can come in the form of lead-based paints in postal worker facilities, on walls and surfaces. Paint will peel and chip over time, creating lead dust which is highly toxic and hazardous. In addition, postal vehicles come fitted with lead-acid batteries which when handled may expose USPS workers to said lead, leading to issues like reproductive difficulties, neurological complications and cardiovascular conditions. 

Chemicals and Solvents 

Processing mail and packages often necessitates the use of solvents and chemicals to clean and process items, and it is not uncommon for these substances to be inhaled or get on someone’s skin and absorbed in this manner, leading to health complications such as organ dysfunction, respiratory irritation and nervous system complications. 

Diesel Exhaust 

USPS vehicles run on diesel, and when this hydrocarbon is burned, it emits a steady stream of particulate matter and toxic chemicals such as nitrogen oxides and polycyclic hydrocarbons. Those charged with offloading, loading and maintaining USPS vans come into direct contact with these emissions, which over time may lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, asthma and COPD. 

Fungi and Mold Exposure 

Some USPS sorting and processing centers may feature facilities that are poorly ventilated or damp, which can lead to the development and growth of toxic mold, which has been shown to have deleterious effects on human health due to the release of mycotoxins and spores into the air by mold and fungi. Over time, postal workers who work in these sorting facilities may develop allergic reactions, asthma, lung infections and other health complications. 

OSHA Regulations on Toxic Chemical Exposure for Postal Workers

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also known as OSHA, has put in place various guidelines in order to keep postal workers safe from toxic chemical exposure as mandated in the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) which instructs employers to provide their workers with training and information on common hazardous chemicals they may encounter at work. This includes things like safety data sheets, labeling and a written hazard communication program. In addition, there is a permissible exposure limit or PEL for the airborne contaminants such as diesel exhaust particulate, lead and asbestos. That is to say, you can only be exposed to these contaminants up to a certain concentration over an 8-hour period before it becomes illegal.

Treating USPS Workers Exposed to Toxic Chemicals

Exposure to toxic chemicals by USPS workers may require diagnosis, the running of various lab tests and medical intervention in order to remove these toxins from the body. Chelation therapy, removing oneself from the toxic environment and working, for instance, in a different department, oxygen therapy for those with mesothelioma as well as slowing disease progression can all help improve the chances of the USPS worker when it comes to making a full recovery or at the very least for those afflicted with various cancers and permanent neurological complications, improve their quality of life. 

Experienced Postal Worker Chemical Exposure Injury Lawyers – Call Us Today!

If you were exposed to toxic chemicals, substances or gases while working for the USPS, you may be able to recover substantial compensation which will go a long way in helping you seek comprehensive treatment for your health complications. Don’t go it alone, and don’t leave everything to your supervisor or manager. Contact us TODAY at 312-444-0214 so we can take a look at your case and advise further. Remember, your first consultation is on us, and there is absolutely no legal obligation. Thanks for choosing and trusting McCready Law, and we look forward to helping you.