Workplace Injuries Are Not Always Immediately Apparent, Explains Double A Safety Services

Workplace injuries are not always immediately apparent, especially in cases of exposure to dangerous materials or chemicals. Following Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and MSDS Personal Protective Equipment Requirements on the material safety data sheets, is the best way to ensure your long term health, reminds Alana Gow of Double A Safety Services on Vancouver Island.

She points to an article from the Canadian Cancer Society about the risks of exposure to asbestos:

"Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibres are very fine and if you breathe them in, they can make their way deep into the smallest airways of your lungs. Once lodged deep in the lungs, the fibres do not escape when you breathe out and can’t be coughed out. The fibres sometimes make their way through the lung and settle in the pleura. This can cause pleural mesothelioma or other lung diseases, such as asbestosis. The fine asbestos fibres can also be swallowed and settle in the digestive system. From there, they can move into the peritoneum, causing peritoneal mesothelioma.

You can be exposed to asbestos either directly, by working with asbestos, or living or working where asbestos was released from building materials or other asbestos products or indirectly, living with an asbestos worker and being exposed to the asbestos dust that is brought home on clothing and hair.

Mesothelioma may not appear until 15 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. Some people develop mesothelioma without knowing they’ve been exposed to asbestos."

Following proper workplace safety procedures can help keep you safe today and in the future. Employers or employees looking for help in reviewing or developing safety plans for their workplace can contact Double A Safety Services on Vancouver Island. Double A Safety provides safety training, evaluation, development, safety documentation and due diligence procedures.