Overall, some common injuries in the textile industry include:
- Respiratory issues. Dust, fibers, and chemical fumes can cause breathing problems like asthma or chronic bronchitis.
- Hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to loud machinery can damage hearing over time.
- Slip, trip, and fall injuries. Wet floors and clutter create fall hazards that can lead to catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, permanent spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Repetitive tasks, awkward postures, and ergonomic issues cause pain, strains, and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
- Cuts and lacerations. Sharp tools, equipment, and machinery pose a risk.
- Burns. Exposure to dyes, solvents, and other hazardous chemicals used in textile manufacturing can lead to chemical burns and skin irritations like dermatitis.
- Eye injuries. Flying debris and chemicals can damage the eyes and even lead to blindness.
- Heat stress. Working in hot environments common in textile factories can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be deadly.
A guide to help you understand your right to workers’ comp benefits when a work injury makes your pre-existing condition worse.
Overall, some common injuries in the textile industry include:
- Respiratory issues. Dust, fibers, and chemical fumes can cause breathing problems like asthma or chronic bronchitis.
- Hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to loud machinery can damage hearing over time.
- Slip, trip, and fall injuries. Wet floors and clutter create fall hazards that can lead to catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, permanent spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Repetitive tasks, awkward postures, and ergonomic issues cause pain, strains, and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
- Cuts and lacerations. Sharp tools, equipment, and machinery pose a risk.
- Burns. Exposure to dyes, solvents, and other hazardous chemicals used in textile manufacturing can lead to chemical burns and skin irritations like dermatitis.
- Eye injuries. Flying debris and chemicals can damage the eyes and even lead to blindness.
- Heat stress. Working in hot environments common in textile factories can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be deadly.
A guide to help you understand your right to workers’ comp benefits when a work injury makes your pre-existing condition worse.
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What Is a Major Disease Caused by Working in the Textile Industry?
Due to their frequent exposure to dust, fibers, and chemicals, textile workers are at an increased risk of certain serious and chronic health conditions.
So, what is the main danger of working in a textile factory?
The two most notable occupational diseases that can lead to long-term health issues for textile workers include:
- Byssinosis. Often referred to as “brown lung,” byssinosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling dust from cotton, flax, or hemp. Symptoms can include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Long-term exposure can worsen the condition and lead to chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function, so it’s imperative for workers to seek immediate medical treatment if they’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
- Occupational asthma. Textile workers are exposed to various dusts and chemicals that can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma. Symptoms can include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Unlike byssinosis, occupational asthma can be caused by exposure to a variety of substances, not just textile dust. It can also worsen over time, so workers should seek treatment to prevent potential future health complications.
It’s important to note that workers who develop occupational diseases like byssinosis and asthma are typically eligible for workers’ comp benefits as long as they can prove the conditions are work-related.
Can Textile Workers Get Workers’ Comp Benefits in SC?
Yes, textile workers in South Carolina can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they experience a work-related injury, illness, or disease.
Here are some key aspects of workers’ comp:
- Employer obligation. Most employers in South Carolina with 4 or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance helps cover medical bills, lost wages, and more for work-related injuries, illnesses, and diseases experienced by textile workers.
- Work-related. Although workers aren’t required to prove anyone was at fault for their accident or health conditions, they are required to prove that their injury, illness, or disease is work-related, meaning that it was a direct result of their work duties or environment. This is often easier to prove with injuries from one-time accidents than with diseases and illnesses that occur over time.
- Employee coverage. Workers’ compensation applies to employees of textile companies, not independent contractors. So, if you’re directly employed by a textile factory, you’re likely covered.
- No-fault system. South Carolina operates under a no-fault system. This means that regardless of who caused the injury or illness (except for situations involving worker misconduct, horseplay, or intoxication), you can receive benefits if they arose as a direct result of your job duties. For example, if you develop a respiratory condition due to inhaling dust while working at a textile mill or you get a back injury after a slip and fall accident, you’re likely eligible for benefits.
If you have questions about your eligibility for benefits or need help proving your condition was caused by your job, it’s essential to reach out to a local work injury attorney to discuss the individual details of your case.
What Does Workers’ Comp in SC Cover for Textile Workers?
Textile workers in South Carolina are eligible for certain types of workers’ comp benefits if they suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses.
These benefits include:
- Medical benefits. Covers the cost of medical treatment related to the work injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Wage replacement benefits. Provides a portion of the worker’s lost wages, typically two-thirds of their average weekly wages, during the period they are unable to work due to the injury or illness.
- Vocational rehabilitation. Offers training and support to help injured workers return to suitable employment if they cannot return to their previous jobs.
- Death benefits. Provides compensation to the dependents of a worker who dies as a result of a work-related injury, illness, or disease, including funeral expenses and ongoing financial support.
Which benefits you’re entitled to and the amount of compensation you can ultimately receive will depend on the severity of your injury and how it impacts your ability to work.
How to File for Workers’ Comp in SC
Filing for workers’ compensation in South Carolina involves several steps to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Here are some general guidelines on how to file a claim:
- Report the injury or illness. Notify your employer in writing as soon as possible. In most cases, this must be donewithin 90 days of the injury or the discovery of the occupational illness or disease. Failure to report your condition within this time could result in a denied claim.
- Seek medical treatment. Obtain prompt medical care and be sure to follow the prescribed treatment plan from your doctor. For a successful workers’ comp claim, it’s crucial to have documentation linking your injury or condition to your work, so never delay seeking treatment.
- Ensure your employer files a claim. Once your employer has been notified of your condition, it’s their responsibility to begin the claim process by filing Form 50 with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission (SCWCC) online, by mail, or in person at an SCWCC office. If your employer fails to file this report, you can file it directly with the SCWCC yourself.
If your employer refuses to file a claim or your claim is denied, consider consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your right to compensation is protected.
Get Help From an Experienced South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney
At Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, our knowledgeable Columbia work injury attorneys take worker safety seriously. Accidents happen, but they shouldn’t leave you struggling to get medical care and pay your bills.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury while working in the textile industry in South Carolina, you don’t have to navigate the complicated legal process alone. Our experienced team is here to advocate for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega to set up a free consultation today and find out how we can help you maximize your benefits.
References
Number and rate of nonfatal work injuries in detailed private industries. (n.d.). www.bls.gov.
https://www.bls.gov/charts/injuries-and-illnesses/number-and-rate-of-nonfatal-work-injuries-by-industry-subsector.htm
