Exposure to hazardous substances is a serious workplace risk that can affect employees across a wide range of industries. Workers who come into contact with chemicals, dust, fumes, or biological hazards without proper protection may suffer both immediate and long-term health problems. From burns and dermatitis to chronic respiratory illnesses and life-limiting conditions, the effects can be devastating.

Employers are legally required to provide safe working conditions and take steps to reduce or eliminate exposure to harmful substances. When these responsibilities are neglected, workers may be entitled to claim compensation for the injuries and illnesses they have suffered.

What counts as hazardous substances at work?

Hazardous substances are not limited to strong industrial chemicals. They include a wide range of materials and environments that can harm health if precautions are not taken. Examples include:

Chemicals – such as cleaning agents, solvents, and industrial products.
Dust – from construction materials, flour, wood, or asbestos.
Fumes – including welding fumes, exhaust gases, and smoke.
Biological hazards – bacteria, viruses, or other infectious materials found in healthcare or laboratory settings.

Even substances used daily in workplaces can pose risks if employees are exposed without adequate safety measures.

How exposure happens

There are many ways in which workers may be exposed to hazardous substances in their daily roles. Common scenarios include:

Handling chemicals without protective gloves or clothing
Working in areas with poor ventilation where fumes build up
Breathing in dust during construction, demolition, or manufacturing
Contact with biological hazards in healthcare, cleaning, or laboratory work
Inadequate training on safe handling and storage of hazardous substances
Employers failing to provide or enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

These risks can often be avoided through risk assessments, proper training, and effective safety equipment.

Types of injuries and illnesses caused by hazardous substances

The health effects of exposure to hazardous substances vary depending on the type and length of contact. Common injuries and conditions include:

Burns – chemical burns to the skin or eyes from corrosive substances.
Respiratory illnesses – asthma, lung damage, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by inhaling dust or fumes.
Dermatitis – painful rashes or skin irritation from repeated exposure to cleaning agents or chemicals.
Poisoning – from accidental ingestion or absorption of harmful chemicals.
Long-term conditions – such as cancers, silicosis, or mesothelioma linked to asbestos exposure.

Some effects appear quickly, while others develop gradually over months or years. Both can have serious consequences for a worker’s health and quality of life.

Employer responsibilities in hazardous environments

UK health and safety law places strict duties on employers to protect staff from exposure to harmful substances. These responsibilities include:

Carrying out risk assessments to identify hazards in the workplace
Substituting dangerous substances with safer alternatives where possible
Providing effective ventilation systems to reduce fumes and dust
Supplying appropriate PPE such as gloves, masks, goggles, and protective clothing
Training staff on how to handle, store, and dispose of hazardous materials safely
Monitoring employee health where exposure cannot be completely avoided

Failure to meet these responsibilities can leave employers liable if workers suffer illness or injury as a result.

The impact of hazardous substance exposure

The effects of exposure can be far-reaching. Physically, employees may struggle with chronic pain, breathing difficulties, or long-term conditions requiring ongoing medical treatment. Financially, time off work and reduced ability to continue in a chosen career can place huge strain on families.

Emotionally, living with the consequences of an avoidable workplace accidents can lead to stress, anxiety, or depression. In the most serious cases, families may lose loved ones to conditions such as occupational cancers or asbestos-related diseases. Compensation claims play an important role in easing these burdens and ensuring that affected workers and their families have the support they need.

What to do if you have been exposed

If you believe your illness or injury is linked to exposure to hazardous substances at work, it is important to take the right steps:

Seek medical advice – obtain a diagnosis and follow the recommended treatment plan.
Report the issue – notify your employer in writing and ensure the incident is logged.
Gather evidence – keep records of your working conditions, the substances involved, and any protective measures (or lack of them).
Track your expenses – record any financial losses such as time off work, medical bills, or travel costs for treatment.
Seek legal advice – a solicitor can help determine whether you have grounds to make a claim.

Taking these steps helps safeguard your health and strengthens your position if you decide to pursue compensation.

Making a claim for hazardous substance exposure

If your employer failed to provide adequate protection and you developed a condition as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation. A claim can cover:

The cost of medical treatment and ongoing care
Lost wages and reduced ability to work in the future
Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
Adaptations required at home or work to accommodate your condition
The emotional impact on you and your family

Compensation cannot undo the harm caused, but it can provide financial security and access to the resources needed for recovery and long-term support.

Why choose Marley Solicitors

At Marley Solicitors, we understand how devastating the effects of exposure to hazardous substances can be. Our experienced team has worked with employees who have suffered from burns, respiratory illnesses, dermatitis, and serious long-term conditions linked to unsafe workplaces.

We are committed to investigating every detail of your case, gathering the evidence required, and fighting to secure the maximum compensation available. Our solicitors provide clear, practical guidance and ongoing support throughout the process, ensuring you are not left to deal with the consequences alone.