Spring Respiratory Risks for Hospital Workers: Can Allergies or Asthma Be Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Have you ever noticed your allergies or asthma flare up during the spring? You’re not alone. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 Americans suffers from at least one allergy, and 7% suffer from asthma. But if you notice your symptoms worsen every time you’re at work, you might be able to qualify for New York’s workers’ compensation. This post will explore whether springtime allergies or asthma qualify for benefits and what to do if you’re affected.

What Triggers Allergies or Asthma in Hospitals?

Hospitals are known for having strict standards when it comes to cleanliness. However, these spaces have many potential hazards that could trigger an allergic reaction or an asthma attack. As a nurse or healthcare professional, hospitals can expose you to:

• Pollen entering through open windows or ventilation systems
• Harsh chemical disinfectants
• Mold, dust, or poor indoor air quality in poorly ventilated storage areas

The long shifts and high-stress environments of a hospital can also take a toll on your body. When you’re constantly on your feet and feeling overworked, your immune system won’t be as strong. Over time, this may translate into more flare-ups, sick days, and long-term health issues, making it much harder to work.

Can You File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Allergies or Asthma?

New York’s workers’ compensation system covers only work-related asthma or allergic reactions. In other words, you’ll need to prove that your condition was directly caused or exacerbated by your work setting. Seasonal allergies or asthma attacks won’t count. If anything, having these pre-existing conditions might complicate your case. Your employer or insurance company might argue that outside factors like pollen are to blame, not workplace conditions.

Find a link between your condition and where you work to increase your approval chances. Some examples of work-related asthma or allergies would include:

• A worsening of your current asthma condition after being exposed to toxic chemicals while cleaning
• An allergy flare-up due to mold in the hospital’s walls
• Developing asthma symptoms due to the hospital’s ventilation system

What To Do If You Have Work-Related Asthma or Allergies

If you have proof that your asthma or allergic reactions are related to your workplace, here’s what you need to do:

Notify Your Supervisor

You have 30 days from the day of the accident to notify your employer about your condition. You also have two years from the day you found out you had a work-related illness to file an Employee Claim (Form C-3) with the state’s board. The sooner you complete these steps, the earlier you’ll receive your benefits.

Keep Track of Your Illness

Once you receive your diagnosis, keep track of your illness. Doing this helps you provide a detailed look into how it affects your daily life, including your job responsibilities. Document any allergy flare-ups or asthma attacks you experience, especially when they happen at work.

We’re Here to Protect Your Rights

Knowing whether your asthma is environmental or work-related can be hard to determine. Our Long Island workers’ compensation attorneys will review your case’s details and help you choose the next steps. With decades of experience, we’re committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. Please contact us at 855-338-1207 to schedule your free consultation with one of our legal experts today.