While the recent derailment of a freight train carrying various toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, did not result in the immediate loss of any lives, the spill and intentional burn-off of some of those chemicals have polluted the ground, water, and air near the derailment site. Residents of the area have reported a number of adverse physical reactions, as well as deaths to livestock, fish, and wildlife, though officials remain guarded about the extent to which there may be any serious short-term or long-term health or environmental damage as a result of the derailment.

In any case, if you work in a hazardous environment or have a dangerous job in Louisiana, the derailment serves as a reminder that it is important to pay close attention to safety protocols in the workplace. If you are regularly exposed to potentially dangerous substances on the job, even if you wear protective clothing and gear, you should get regular checkups and let your doctor know about the kind of work you do.

Failure to Follow Safety Protocols Can Lead to a Fight for Your Benefits if You're Injured

If you're injured on the job and were not wearing the required safety gear or were not following company safety rules at the time of your injury – even if your injury was not related to the gear you weren't using or the rules you weren't following – your employer may contend that you are not entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits. While the argument should be unsuccessful under Louisiana law (the Louisiana legislature removed the failure to use guard or protection as a defense back in 2001), it could slow your receipt of the benefits you're entitled to. To reduce the possibility of having to fight for your benefits, make sure you are using the required safety gear and following company safety protocols at all times when they're required by your company.

Some Workplace Injuries Result from Prolonged Exposure to Harmful Substances

If you work around dangerous chemicals or other toxic substances, even if you follow company rules designed to protect your health, it's a good idea to get regular checkups (this is a good idea anyway) and let your doctor know what types of toxic substances you are working around. This can help your doctor be on the lookout for the kinds of illnesses or physical damage that may occur due to prolonged low-level exposure to certain substances. In addition, you may also be entitled to workers' compensation benefits if an illness or injury of this type prevents you from doing your job.

Contact the Delsa Law Firm, LLC, If You Have Questions About Workplace Injuries

The Delsa Law Firm, LLC has been helping injured workers in Louisiana for years to understand their rights to receive workers' compensation benefits. Attorney Delsa has years of experience with workers' compensation claims and has helped hundreds of hard-working people get the benefits they are entitled to. If you've been injured on the job – whether it's because of a workplace accident or because of long-term exposure to a toxic substance – and are having difficulty collecting your workers' compensation benefits, call the Delsa Law Firm, LLC, today at (985) 882-1222 or by using the firm's online contact form.

The Delsa Law Firm, LLC is conveniently located at 34641 Grantham College Rd. in Slidell, near the intersection of Interstates 10, 12, and 59.