Occupational asthma is a serious and often overlooked condition affecting thousands of workers across England and Wales. Whether you’re a baker exposed to flour dust, a cleaner handling chemical sprays, or a healthcare worker around disinfectants, your health matters and so do your legal rights.
What Is Occupational Asthma?
Occupational asthma is a type of asthma triggered by substances encountered in the workplace. Common culprits include:
- Flour dust in bakeries
- Cleaning agents and disinfectants
- Spray paints and solvents
- Latex in healthcare settings
Symptoms can range from mild wheezing to severe breathing difficulties, and if left untreated, may lead to long-term disability or job loss.
Employer Duties Under Health and Safety Law
Under the Health and at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a legal duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees “so far as is reasonably practicable”.
This includes:
- Identifying and assessing risks in the workplace
- Providing adequate ventilation and protective equipment
- Training staff on the safe handling of hazardous substances in the workplace
- Monitoring exposure levels and health symptoms
- Maintaining clear health and safety policies
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also require all employers to take steps to prevent occupational diseases like asthma, especially when known triggers are present.
Can You Claim Compensation for Employer Negligence?
Yes. If your employer failed to take reasonable steps to protect you from harmful exposure and you developed occupational asthma as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
To succeed in a claim, you’ll typically need to show:
- A diagnosis of occupational asthma
- Exposure to a known trigger in your workplace
- Employer negligence, such as lack of protective measures or failure to act on known risks
Compensation can cover medical costs, lost earnings, and the impact on your quality of life.
No Win No Fee Funding – Making Justice Accessible
At Ison Harrison, we understand that legal costs can be a barrier. That’s why we offer no win, no fee funding for occupational asthma claims. This means:
- No upfront costs
- No legal fees if your claim isn’t successful
- Expert representation from trusted personal injury solicitors
We’re Lexcel-accredited and have a strong track record of securing compensation for workers across Yorkshire and beyond.
Examples of potential claims
- A bakery assistant developed asthma after months of exposure to airborne flour without a mask or extractor fan.
- A hospital cleaner experienced breathing difficulties due to daily use of bleach-based sprays in poorly ventilated areas.
- A painter was diagnosed with asthma after repeated exposure to solvent fumes without proper respiratory protection.
In each case, the employer had a duty to assess the risks and provide safeguards. Where they failed, legal action helped the workers secure compensation and raise awareness.
What Should You Do If You’re Affected?
If you suspect your asthma is linked to your job:
- See your GP and request a referral to an occupational health specialist.
- Report the issue to your employer or health and safety representative.
- Keep records of your symptoms, working conditions, and any medical advice.
- Seek legal advice from a specialist solicitor.
Contact Ison Harrison Today
If you’ve developed occupational asthma and believe your employer may be at fault, don’t suffer in silence. Our expert personal injury team is here to help you understand your rights and explore your options.
Contact Ison Harrison Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to support workers across all industries, from bakeries to hospitals, with trusted legal advice and no win, no fee funding.
To see how we can help get in touch with us today – call us on 0113 284 5000 or email pi@isonharrison.co.uk.
