In this article we look at what Hepatitis B is, symptoms, prevention and what to do if you think you have been exposed to the disease at work.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a liver infection, which can be spread through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Hepatitis B normally lasts for a few months; however, some people can have Hepatitis B long-term. It is quite unlikely to catch Hepatitis B in the UK, however there is vaccine for it if you were at high risk, or if you were travelling to a country where Hepatitis B is more common.
How is Hepatitis B caught?
- Having unprotected sex whether it be anal, vaginal, or oral.
- Injecting drugs through shared needles.
- An injury from a used needle.
- Getting a tattoo or a piercing with unsterilized equipment.
- Having a blood transfusion in a country outside of the UK that does not check blood for Hepatitis B-blood transfusions in the UK are checked for Hepatitis B.
- If you have Hepatitis B whilst pregnant there is a possibility of you passing it onto your baby during pregnancy or birth.
Hepatitis B Symptoms
Common symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Patches of raised skin that might be itchy (hives).
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes(jaundice).
Prevention of Hepatitis B
The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. Adults would only need to get the vaccine if they’re at a higher risk. For example:
- If you are planning to travel to a high-risk country: in these circumstances you may have to pay for the vaccine.
- If you suffer with liver or kidney disease.
- If the job you work puts you at risk of infection. Examples being healthcare workers or prison officers.
It is your employer’s responsibility to organise your vaccination if your job puts you at risk of getting the infection.
Workplace exposure
Exposure in the workplace within the healthcare environment usually take place as a result of needle-stick injury, injury with other contaminated sharp instruments, or as a result of contamination of the mucous membrane, including the eyes, nose and mouth. However, workplace acquisition of Hepatitis B viral infection (HBV) has been noticeably reduced because of the availability of an effective vaccine.
In some parts of the world the risk of catching Hepatitis B is higher, these places include Africa, Asia, the Middle East and parts of South Africa and Eastern Europe.
- Tattooists and body piercers.
- Beauticians and hairdressers.
- Local authority services, e.g. refuse disposal and street cleaners.
- Those in professional and semi-professional contact sports.
- Designated first-aiders in any occupational setting.
If you feel that you have been exposed to the risk of getting Hepatitis B or have caught Hepatitis B due to your workplace environment not having the correct health and safety procedures in place, then you might be able to claim compensation.
If you wish to enquire about a potential claim, please contact us on 0113 200 9720.
Why Should I Use Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?
Oakwood Solicitors Ltd agrees to work on your claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be expected to pay us a penny.
If you are successful in your claim, we take a percentage of the compensation meaning that the only time we will receive money is if we have brought your claim to a fruitful conclusion.
You will have a dedicated advisor who will see your claim through from start to finish, assisting you in the event of any queries or issues you may have. If it is preferable to you, we are able to assign a female advisor to carry out your claim.
Your case handler will also continue to provide regular updates until the conclusion of your claim, ensuring the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.
Asimah Ali is currently a Solicitor in the Industrial Disease Department.
Asimah started working at Oakwood Solicitors in October 2016, shortly after completing the Legal Practice Course in July 20…
Hazardous Substances at Work – What protection should you be provided with?
The law requires employers to provide adequate health and safety measures in the workplace under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.
This includes personal p…
View
Will my employers know about my claim?
"Will my employers know?" I get asked this question many times when assessing new claims. The short answer, I’m afraid, is "Yes".
In order to process a claim we…
View
