Have you experienced stiffness, swelling, and inflammation in your joints? Perhaps the affected area feels warm or appears red? You may have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – an auto-immune disease that affects the hands, feet, elbows, knees, shoulders, and hips.  

You may be wondering how you sustained RA. According to a study on job-related arthritis, conducted by a doctoral student at the Karolinksa Institute in Stockholm Sweden, RA could be attributed to your work environment.  

Who is the most at risk?

When taking lifestyle factors into account, the study concluded that: 

• Men who worked in manufacturing were at a greater risk of developing RA than men who worked in other professions.  
• Electrical and electronic workers, as well as bricklayers, were twice as likely to develop RA due to their job conditions.  
• Women who had jobs as assistant nurses and attendants were at a slightly higher risk of developing RA; however, women in manufacturing jobs were not.  

What are the environmental factors?

According to Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network, RA can be triggered by environmental factors including insecticides, food and product chemicals, air pollution, and other harmful toxins. 

Another Swedish study found a link between crystalline silica exposure and a heightened risk of RA. Crystalline silica is a compound often used in manufacturing and construction. Those who work with cement, brick, asphalt, china, ceramics, and steel may be exposed to crystalline silica or silica dust. 

A 2008 study conducted in Libby, Montana found a link between asbestos exposure and RA among 1,672 vermiculite miners, millers, and workers handling amphibole fiber. The study concluded that the workers were 9.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with RA after 15 years. 

Eligibility for workers’ compensation

If you have developed RA or any other type of injury or illness, proving that it was caused by your work environment can be difficult. Without an experienced attorney on your side, the insurance companies that handle workers’ compensation benefits in Massachusetts could deny your claim.  

What’s worse, your condition could leave you out of work for a lengthy period of time. Medical treatment can be costly, and as you’re unable to collect a paycheck, your bills can pile up.  

That’s why it’s important that your rights are upheld. The legal team at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl can help you navigate the process and ensure that you are treated fairly. We’ll also fight for a fair settlement. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. 

This entry was posted on Monday, January 7th, 2019 at 2:52 pm and is filed under workers' compensation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.