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Hazards of Abrasive Blasting Materials

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall incidence rate of cases involving non-fatal occupational injury and illnesses which required absence from work to recuperate in 2014 was 107.1 cases for every 10,000 full-time workers. There were 1,157,410 days-away-from-work cases in state government, local government, and private industry. The same year, the preliminary total of fatal work injuries was 4,679.

Abrasive blasting is a job that comes with high risk of injury. Compressed air or water is used to direct a high-velocity stream of abrasive material to clean a surface or object, apply a texture, remove burrs or prepare a surface to apply paint or other types of coating.

It is vital for employers to make sure that they protect workers from toxic metals and hazardous dust levels that may be generated from both the underlying coatings and substrate being blasted and the blasting material.

Types of Abrasive Blasting Materials

The decision to use a specific type of abrasive blasting material depends on factors such as job specifications, cost, worker health, and environment. The most commonly used materials in abrasive blasting include:

  • Silica sand
  • Garnet sand
  • Coal slag
  • Copper slag
  • Nickel slag
  • Steel grit
  • Steel shot
  • Glass – crushed or beads
  • Specular hematite (iron ore)

Alternative blasting materials that are less toxic include:

  • Dry ice
  • Sponge
  • Plastic bead media
  • Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda
  • Ground corn cob, ground walnut shells, and other biodegradable materials
  • High pressure water

Health Hazards of Abrasive Blasting

Abrasive blasting operations can result in high levels of dust and noise. There may be toxic materials, such as silica, lead paint, etc. in abrasive material and the surface being blasted and these materials are hazardous to workers.

  • Silica sand, or crystalline, can lead to lung cancer, silicosis and breathing problems in workers who are exposed.
  • Garnet sand and coal slag may result in lung damage that is similar to silica sand.
  • Copper slag, glass and nickel slag also have the potential to cause lung damage.
  • Trace amounts of toxic metals such as beryllium, arsenic and cadmium can be found in slags.

Protecting Workers from Exposure to Abrasive Blasting Materials

Every abrasive blasting operation is unique and involves different blast materials, surfaces, coatings, and working conditions. Before operations begin, employers should make sure that hazards are identified and that a knowledgeable person who is trained to recognize hazards and quickly authorize taking corrective action to eliminate these hazards.

It is critical for employers to make sure that PPE (personal protective equipment) including respiratory protection, administrative and engineering controls, and training is provided to workers who are involved in abrasive blasting activities.

If you or a loved one is harmed in an abrasive blasting operation due to your employer’s negligence, you should immediately seek the help of a skilled and judicious personal injury attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falloff & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000.

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April Johnson
April Johnson
15:54 30 Jun 23
Easy access to thr firm with a very nice Lawyer
Benjamin Roussey
Benjamin Roussey
19:03 29 Jun 23
No firm gets it done like RMFW. They are the best.They are awesome - for sure.
Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez
19:02 24 May 23
I’ve been in the personal injury field as an investigator for 29 years. All in New York City. Out of all the hundreds of Law Firms I’ve worked with, Rosenberg Minc Falkoff & Wolf, would have to be at the very top of my list. Amazing staff great attorneys.If you want the job done right, these are you guys.
Julio Ochoa
Julio Ochoa
20:49 18 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP for their outstanding assistance in obtaining a settlement for an Erb's Palsy birth injury case. Their knowledge, dedication, and compassionate attitude were important in attaining a successful end. Their professionalism and assistance were simply outstanding from beginning to end. I am deeply thankful for their representation and would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking justice in a similar situation.
Aisha Neri
Aisha Neri
20:29 18 May 23
I recently had the privilege of working with Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP on my daughter’s birth injury case involving Erb's Palsy, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional legal services. From the initial consultation to the successful settlement, they demonstrated profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine compassion for my family's situation.From the very beginning, the team proved their commitment to justice. They thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding my child Erb's Palsy birth injury, leaving no stone unturned. Their extensive knowledge and understanding of medical malpractice law, coupled with their deep expertise in birth injury cases, provided us with tremendous confidence in their ability to handle our case.The attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff consistently displayed exceptional professionalism and attention to detail throughout the entire legal process. They meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with medical experts, and built a compelling case that clearly outlined the negligence and liability on the part of the medical professionals involved. One aspect that truly stood out was the genuine care and compassion exhibited by Daniel Minc, Lorraine Licul, and the entire team at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. They treated us not just as clients but as individuals with unique emotions and concerns. They took the time to listen attentively to our worries, provided constant updates on the progress of our case, and promptly responded to our inquiries, ensuring we felt supported and reassured throughout the process. Their empathy and understanding made an immeasurable difference during such a challenging and emotionally taxing time.When it came time to negotiate a settlement, Daniel Minc demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity. He fought fiercely on our behalf, advocating for fair compensation to cover any potential long-term effects of Erb's Palsy on my child's life. His negotiation skills were truly impressive, as they secured a settlement that exceeded our expectations and provided the financial resources necessary to support my child's future needs.I cannot recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff highly enough to anyone seeking legal representation in Erb's Palsy birth injury cases or any other medical malpractice matters. Their extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and empathetic approach make them an exceptional choice for families navigating the complexities of birth injury litigation. Thanks to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, my family now has the means to provide the best care and opportunities for my child's future.If you are seeking a law firm that combines legal expertise with genuine compassion, look no further than Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They will tirelessly fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard, providing you with the support and justice you deserve.
Aoki R
Aoki R
17:14 17 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They are a team of dedicated professionals fully committed to their clients. I have witnessed the firm's amazing work ethic in my experience with their attorneys and Lorraine Licul. Lorraine is a knowledable, empathetic and results-driven professional. Minc is an excellent attorney and I greatly appreciate the firm's expertise.
Michael Levites
Michael Levites
17:42 12 May 23
I have recommended this firm to some of my friends and I heard back only positive feedback about the client responsiveness, diligence and hard work put in by these attorneys. I will continue to refer anyone who suffered a personal injury to Rosenberg Minc..
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