Those employees working in the farming industry are at risk of developing respiratory diseases as a result of exposure to substances that cause breathing difficulties. Workers can develop asthma and the HSE report that the incidence of occupational asthma is several times the national average in agricultural workers compared with other industries.
The most common cause of asthma among agricultural workers is as a result of exposure to agricultural dusts originating from grain or poultry, animal dander and faeces, fungal spores, bacteria, bedding, feed and chemicals.
The most common cause of asthma among agricultural workers is as a result of exposure to agricultural dusts originating from grain or poultry, animal dander and faeces, fungal spores, bacteria, bedding, feed and chemicals.
Your employer has a duty to minimise the risk to your health and in order to discharge that duty they will need to provide you with training and where appropriate protective clothing and equipment such as disposable overalls, a means of ventilation or respiratory protective equipment.
If you are exposed to dusts which cause asthma, you should be subjected to health surveillance. |
The requirements are set out in the regulations which apply namely the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (often referred to as “COSHH”).
If you suffer an injury as a result of your employer not taking steps to protect you, you may be entitled to damages to compensate you for your physical injuries and for financial losses including loss of earnings, cost of private treatment and travel for treatment. |
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Our lawyers are experienced and will be able to advise you on your prospects of bringing a claim.