Workplace is making me sick

LegacyUser

I am going to have to look for a new job. I have been in my current job for 10 years. Its a food manufacturing job,shift work and very busy at this time of the year 50 to 65 hours a week 6 days a week. It can be physical at times,short help at times aswell and ls the biggest hole in the country when things start going wrong.
Right so this place is all machines and stainless steel that needs to be cleaned and the chemicals that are being used are making me sick and its getting worse.The place fills up with steam mixed with a concoction of chemicals and it comes up out of the drains in the hallway and the yard. The doors are shut ventilation is a joke. Its not a coincidence that there is fresh air when people are visiting the factory. There are fumes and gas smells from time to time aswell.

I have not told my doctor yet about the problems its causing me (acid reflux.sore throat all the way to the top of my stomach,burping,sneezing,hicups,nauseia,off balance,weak legs,tired,rash on hands,red and itchy eyes. I feel like an old man some days. This time last year I was cycling 300k a week and doing a bit of racing and lots of walking.I was never as fit in my life.I dont get all them symptoms together all the time. I am a different person than I used to be. Im no good anymore.

Towards the end of last summer I went to the doctor because I was felling off and got very sick when I had my holidays booked off. Blood tests showed I had an overactive thyroid it was a nightmare.I am on meds now for it and am limited to how much I can do.There was a toxic smell at work at the time aswell. Thyroid problems are in the family two so I dont know! I dont think I will last much longer. Need advice

Mrs OBumble

The only advice we can give is ... go to the doctor.

After that, if you really are working hours that long, you can complain to NERA too.

But you need to sort your health first. It may be something quite different from the workplace that is affecting you.

the_syco

Old man 34 wrote: »

Right so this place is all machines and stainless steel that needs to be cleaned and the chemicals that are being used are making me sick and its getting worse.The place fills up with steam mixed with a concoction of chemicals and it comes up out of the drains in the hallway and the yard.

1) Take note of the products you use to clean.

Old man 34 wrote: »

I have not told my doctor yet about the problems its causing me (acid reflux.sore throat all the way to the top of my stomach,burping,sneezing,hicups,nauseia,off balance,weak legs,tired,rash on hands,red and itchy eyes.

2) Tell your doctor all of this.

If you want, take note of what chemicals you use, and what the symptoms you get during/after the cleaning process, as well as how you'd feel next day, to give the doctor a better idea of what you are interacting with.

delthedriver

A full and frank discussion with your doctor is a priority here.


A list of all the chemicals you use or come into contact with is very important.


Your health is your wealth, at the moment your health appears to be at serious risk.


Arrange an appointment today please if you have not already done so.

LegacyUser

I went back to my GP at the start of May for my routine thyroid tests and still didnt say anything about the work problems I go once a month for them. Doc said looks good normal FT4 TSH was still high so I was hopeing it was that was making me sick.

Suffered on for another month. It was madness when I think about it now what I put myself through. Scared of not having a job I suppose. Went in to the Doc in a mess and told him the story. He said sounds like a work problem alright. He said he would give me a cert for 2 weeks and then go back to work to see if symptoms clear and then see if they come back again. I had my holidays booked for the second week so I told him I would get the cert for 1 because of the booked holidays wich turned out well in the end. I only booked them in the first place to get a break from it all. I was wrecked.He gave me tablets for my stomach and the rash on my hands.

After a few days I started to feel better and by the end of the week I was in great form and getting up feeling normal. Legs got stronger by the day all symptoms got better and cleared only the stomach felt a bit off.

I went for a spin on the bike the second week 18k I was a bit shaky after it alright so tried again the next day still a bit shaky I went the next 6 days in a row and got stronger by the day. I done 2 40k on the last 2 days

I went back to work and all symptoms came back so by thursday I had enough and went back to Doc he said get out of there..

I am waiting to get tests done in the hospital...it could take months to get an appointment.
I havent told them the problem in work yet. Not looking forward to it.

Can I hand in my notice while on a sick cert?
Do I have to tell work the problem?
How often do I have to send my cert to the social welfare?

Hope someone can help and any other advice would be great.

Eoin

bumping this, as it took me too long to approve the last post; sorry about that.

Mrs OBumble

Old man 34 wrote: »

Can I hand in my notice while on a sick cert?
Do I have to tell work the problem?
How often do I have to send my cert to the social welfare?

Hope someone can help and any other advice would be great.

Delighted to hear that you finally took action. No job is worth ruining your health for.

In short:
Yes
No - but it might be a good idea, see below.
I think weekly, but ask Welfare or the State benefits forum.


Re the 2nd question, I'd suggest that you pay a visit to Citizen's Information or the Family Law Advice Centre. It's possible that the company needs to be reported to someone for health and safety reasons (the next worker is likely to have the same issues as you) - and they may have some obligations towards you regarding alternative duties or compensation.

delthedriver

Old man 34 wrote: »

I went back to my GP at the start of May for my routine thyroid tests and still didnt say anything about the work problems I go once a month for them. Doc said looks good normal FT4 TSH was still high so I was hopeing it was that was making me sick.

Suffered on for another month. It was madness when I think about it now what I put myself through. Scared of not having a job I suppose. Went in to the Doc in a mess and told him the story. He said sounds like a work problem alright. He said he would give me a cert for 2 weeks and then go back to work to see if symptoms clear and then see if they come back again. I had my holidays booked for the second week so I told him I would get the cert for 1 because of the booked holidays wich turned out well in the end. I only booked them in the first place to get a break from it all. I was wrecked.He gave me tablets for my stomach and the rash on my hands.

After a few days I started to feel better and by the end of the week I was in great form and getting up feeling normal. Legs got stronger by the day all symptoms got better and cleared only the stomach felt a bit off.

I went for a spin on the bike the second week 18k I was a bit shaky after it alright so tried again the next day still a bit shaky I went the next 6 days in a row and got stronger by the day. I done 2 40k on the last 2 days

I went back to work and all symptoms came back so by thursday I had enough and went back to Doc he said get out of there..

I am waiting to get tests done in the hospital...it could take months to get an appointment.
I havent told them the problem in work yet. Not looking forward to it.

Can I hand in my notice while on a sick cert?
Do I have to tell work the problem?
How often do I have to send my cert to the social welfare?

Hope someone can help and any other advice would be great.

Follow the advice of your GP. You may also wish to seek the advice of an Employment Law Specialist .

DainBramage

Get the f uck out of there. absolutely no job is worth wrecking your health over.

ianobrien

OP, if you are still onsite ask for copies of the safety data sheets for each chemical used. Read and note section 2 (hazards), section 4 (first aid), section 4.2 (acute and delayed symptoms), section 6.1 (personal protective equipment on accidental release), section 8 (exposure control) and section 11 (Toxicological info). Also ask for copies of the risk assessments that were carried out prior to their use.

Read these very carefully and ensure that things are being complied with with regards to personal safety.

There is supposed to be safety data sheets (SDS or MSDS) for each chemical on-site including all cleaning solutions for plant and bathrooms, kitchen etc. The back of the Aldi bathroom cleaner at home even has details of where this can be obtained!