Occupational hazards abound in many industries, leaving employees exposed to severe health risks over time. Risks go beyond slip-and-fall incidents, faulty machinery, fire, and electrocution. According to a 2022 report, an estimated 120,000 American workers face death or disabilities due to occupational diseases. That’s a huge number compared to 4,764 casualties from traumatic injuries.
Exposure to harmful substances or environments is a major concern. According to the National Safety Council, 658,240 workers sustained nonfatal injuries and illnesses and 839 died due to this reason in 2021-22. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB Exposure) are among the most toxic chemicals contributing to workplace hazards in the US.
PCBs are synthetic organic chemicals that were used in industrial applications until their harmful effects on the environment and human health became evident. While these chemicals have been banned, they still pose a significant risk in workplaces where old equipment containing PCBs is still in use. Awareness can help you understand your risks and raise your voice as a worker.
In this article, we will highlight a few signs indicating your risk of PCB exposure at your workplace.
Sign #1: Presence of Equipment or Materials Containing PCB
PCBs were commercially manufactured in the US from 1929, and used in various industrial applications and settings. However, as their harm became widely known, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) banned its production in 1979. However, your workplace may still have equipment or materials known to contain these toxic chemicals.
PCBs are used in electrical equipment like fluorescent lights, transformers, and capacitors. They may also lurk in hydraulic systems and heat transfer fluids. The prolonged presence of these chemicals in your work environment may result in PCB exposure symptoms such as skin issues, shortness of breath, nausea, headache, fatigue, and impaired immunity.
TorHoerman Law notes that people exposed to these chemicals through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact can develop severe diseases including cancer, neurological problems, and reproductive issues down the line. Many have even filed lawsuits against big names like Monsanto for contributing to PCB contamination.
Sign #2: Lack of Proper Labeling and Identification
If your workplace has equipment and materials with PCB, a lack of awareness compounds the risk of exposure. Although the fact about the carcinogenic nature of these chemicals has been known for decades, they persist in thousands of buildings across the US. Many of these are schools rather than industrial buildings.
Employers should ensure that equipment and materials containing PCB should be labeled or identified to alert workers about the hazards. Lack of labeling and identification increases the risk of accidental exposure. If you suspect the presence of PCB in your workplace, raise a red flag and proceed with caution.
Sign #3: Inadequate Maintenance Practice
Spills, leaks, and releases of PCB-containing fluids or materials are imperative in the absence of proper maintenance practices in workplaces. Watch out for indications such as visible leaks or drips from equipment, inadequate containment measures to prevent spills, and corroded containers holding these chemicals.
Your employer is responsible for ensuring workplace safety by addressing such hazards with proper maintenance. Whether they fail to maintain safety due to negligence or lack of awareness, you and your co-workers may be at risk. You should not hesitate to report these signs of poor maintenance practices to your supervisor or safety officer.
Sign #4: Improper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Government agencies recommend the provision of PPE to employees to minimize exposure to environmental hazards that can cause severe illnesses and injuries in the workplace. They impose stringent standards for the quality and safety of PPEs. However, employers often cut corners in this context, leaving workers exposed to hazardous materials, including PCBs during their job duties.
You should get equipment such as protective clothing, gloves, masks, respirators, and goggles to prevent or limit exposure. Be warned if your workplace does not provide adequate or proper PPE to protect you against this dire workplace threat.
Sign #5: Lack of Safety Training and Awareness
According to a 2021 workplace training survey, many companies in the US struggle with their safety training initiatives. Scheduling time for training is the biggest hindrance, causing 59.1% of businesses to fall short. Nearly 31% of companies fail to verify whether their training programs are effective enough. A lack of safety training and awareness programs is another sign of the high risk of PCB exposure.
Your employer should implement a comprehensive training program on PCB safety. Additionally, they should ensure that workers are aware of the risks and safety protocols. Without these, there is a higher likelihood of accidental exposure.
In conclusion, PCB exposure in the workplace is a bigger concern than you imagine. Being aware of these signs can give you a head start with preventive measures against harmful exposure. Watch out for them, be vocal, and ensure your employers take immediate measures to address the threat.
