Get the Compensation You Deserve
Occupational asthma can change your life permanently. If exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, or workplace substances caused or worsened your asthma, you may be entitled to compensation. At Claims 24 Hours, we help workers across the UK pursue occupational asthma claims with expert legal support and No Win No Fee representation.
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What Is Occupational Asthma?
Occupational asthma is a long-term respiratory condition caused directly by exposure to hazardous substances at work. Unlike childhood or lifestyle-related asthma, occupational asthma develops because of workplace conditions and can affect people with no previous history of breathing problems.
The condition occurs when repeated or sudden exposure to irritants inflames and narrows the airways, making breathing difficult. In many cases, symptoms worsen over time and may continue even after exposure stops, particularly if diagnosis and action are delayed.
Occupational asthma is classed as an industrial disease, meaning workers may have a legal right to compensation if their employer failed to protect them adequately.
Types of Work-Related Asthma
Occupational asthma generally falls into two recognised categories.
Allergic occupational asthma develops after repeated exposure to a specific substance. Symptoms often appear weeks, months, or even years after first exposure. This is the most common type and is frequently linked to substances such as flour dust, wood dust, chemicals, or animal proteins.
Irritant-induced occupational asthma can develop rapidly following a single high-level exposure to an irritant, such as toxic fumes, gases, or chemical spills. Symptoms may appear within hours and can be severe.
Both forms can cause lasting damage and may prevent you from continuing in your job or industry.
How Common Is Occupational Asthma?
Medical and regulatory bodies recognise occupational exposure as a significant cause of adult asthma. Research suggests that around one in six adult asthma cases are linked to workplace exposure.
The risk varies by occupation. Higher rates are seen among workers in manufacturing, construction, baking, vehicle spraying, welding, cleaning, agriculture, and chemical handling roles. Many cases go undiagnosed or unreported, meaning the true scale is likely much higher.
Common Causes of Occupational Asthma
Occupational asthma is caused by breathing in substances that irritate or sensitise the airways. Common workplace triggers include:
- Flour, grain, and bakery dust
- Isocyanates used in paints, foams, and vehicle spraying
- Wood dust from carpentry and furniture manufacturing
- Chemical fumes from cleaning products and solvents
- Metal fumes from welding and fabrication
- Oils and hydraulic fluids used in machinery and forklifts
- Gases such as chlorine, ammonia, or hydrochloric acid
- Animal proteins, moulds, and biological agents
In many cases, exposure happens gradually over time. In others, a single uncontrolled incident is enough to trigger the condition.
Symptoms of Occupational Asthma
Symptoms often mirror those of standard asthma but may be worse during working hours or improve when away from work. Common
symptoms include:
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing or whistling when breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Fatigue caused by poor oxygen intake
- Night-time breathing problems
Because symptoms may develop slowly, many workers do not immediately connect them to their job, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
How Is Occupational Asthma Diagnosed?
If occupational asthma is suspected, medical professionals may carry out tests such as lung function testing, peak flow monitoring, allergy testing, or specialist respiratory assessments. Diagnosis often involves linking symptom patterns to workplace exposure.
Medical evidence is crucial in occupational asthma claims, and legal advisers will ensure the correct reports are obtained to support your case.
Your Employer’s Legal Duty of Care
Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from foreseeable health risks. This includes identifying hazardous substances, assessing risks, and putting effective control measures in place.
A safe working environment should include proper ventilation, safe systems of work, controlled exposure levels, suitable personal protective equipment, regular risk assessments, and adequate training.
Where employers fail to reduce exposure, monitor health, or act on warning signs, they may be legally responsible for any resulting illness.
Can I Make an Occupational Asthma Claim?
You may be eligible to claim occupational asthma compensation if:
You were exposed to harmful substances at work
The substance is known to cause asthma
Your symptoms developed or worsened because of workplace exposure
Your employer failed to take reasonable steps to protect your health
Even if your employer attempted some safety measures, a claim may still be possible if those measures were inadequate or poorly enforced.
How to Prove an Occupational Asthma Claim
Occupational asthma claims rely on medical evidence, exposure history, and proof of employer failings. Solicitors will examine workplace records, safety procedures, training provision, and risk assessments.
Importantly, courts now recognise that asthma may result from cumulative exposure, meaning you do not need to identify one single incident that caused the condition.
Time Limits for Occupational Asthma Claims
In most cases, you have three years to start a claim. This usually runs from the date you were diagnosed or when you first became aware that your asthma was linked to work.
Exceptions apply for minors and individuals lacking capacity. Early legal advice is strongly recommended, as industrial disease claims can be complex.
What Compensation Can Cover
Occupational asthma compensation may include damages for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity, as well as financial losses caused by the condition.
Claims may cover lost earnings, reduced future earning capacity, medical treatment, medication, travel expenses, and the long-term impact on your quality of life.
More severe cases may attract higher compensation where asthma permanently affects daily activities or employment prospects.
No Win, No Fee Occupational Asthma Claims
Claims 24 Hours offers occupational asthma claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means:
No upfront legal costs
No payment if your claim is unsuccessful
A success fee capped by law
No hidden charges
You can pursue compensation without financial risk.
Why Claim Occupational Asthma Compensation?
Occupational asthma is often lifelong. It can restrict your career, reduce income, and affect physical and mental wellbeing. Compensation helps address financial losses and acknowledges the harm caused by workplace exposure.
Bringing a claim can also encourage safer practices and protect others from similar harm.
Start Your Occupational Asthma Claim Today
If you believe your asthma is linked to your job, speak to Claims 24 Hours today. Our trained advisers offer free, confidential guidance and will assess your claim with care and accuracy.
Early advice strengthens your case and helps protect your future.
Why Choose Claims 24 Hours for Occupational Asthma Claims?
Specialist Experience in Occupational Disease Claims
Occupational asthma claims require a deep understanding of workplace exposure, medical evidence, and employer responsibilities. At Claims 24 Hours, we have extensive experience handling occupational disease cases, including asthma caused by dust, fumes, chemicals, and other airborne substances. We understand how these conditions develop over time and how to link your diagnosis directly to your working environment, which is essential for a successful claim.
Strong Medical and Expert Evidence Support
Proving occupational asthma often depends on expert medical opinions and detailed evidence. We work closely with independent medical specialists who assess your condition thoroughly and provide clear reports that support your claim. This ensures your symptoms, diagnosis, and long-term impact are properly documented, strengthening your case from the outset.
No Win, No Fee – No Financial Risk
We handle occupational asthma claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront legal costs, and there is nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful. Our success fees are legally capped, and we are completely transparent about costs from the start, allowing you to pursue compensation without financial pressure or risk.
Focus on Employer Negligence and Duty of Care
Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from harmful exposure by carrying out risk assessments, providing protective equipment, and implementing proper safety controls. We carefully investigate whether your employer failed in these duties. If negligence contributed to your condition, we ensure this is clearly demonstrated as part of your occupational asthma claim.
Personal Support Throughout Your Claim
We understand that occupational asthma can affect your health, income, and quality of life. Our team provides clear, ongoing communication at every stage of your claim. You are kept informed, supported, and advised in plain language, so you always understand what is happening and what to expect next.
Compensation That Reflects Long-Term Impact
Occupational asthma can be a long-term or even permanent condition. We aim to secure compensation that reflects not only your immediate symptoms but also future medical needs, loss of earnings, reduced work capacity, and the overall impact on your daily life. Our goal is to ensure your settlement truly reflects the seriousness of your condition.
A Trusted Claims Management Team
Claims 24 Hours is committed to professionalism, accuracy, and client care. We handle each occupational asthma claim with attention to detail and a strong focus on achieving the best possible outcome. Our reputation is built on trust, experience, and results, giving you confidence that your claim is in capable hands.
FAQs– Occupational Asthma Claims
What is occupational asthma?
Occupational asthma is a condition caused or worsened by breathing in harmful substances at work, such as dust, fumes, or chemicals. It often develops over time due to repeated exposure.
How do I know if my asthma is work-related?
If your symptoms started after beginning a job or improve when you are away from work, your asthma may be work-related. A medical assessment can confirm the link.
Can I claim compensation for occupational asthma?
Yes, if your employer failed to protect you from harmful exposure and this caused or worsened your asthma, you may be entitled to compensation.
Which jobs are most affected by occupational asthma?
Occupational asthma is common in industries such as construction, manufacturing, cleaning, healthcare, baking, painting, and factory work.
What evidence is needed to make a claim?
Medical records, work history, and evidence of workplace exposure are usually required. Your legal team will help gather and assess this information.
Is there a time limit to make a claim?
Most claims must be started within three years of diagnosis or when you first became aware that your asthma was caused by work.
Will I need to go to court?
Most occupational asthma claims are settled without going to court through negotiation. Court cases are rare.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation depends on how severe your asthma is and how it affects your work and daily life, including any financial losses.
Can I claim if I no longer work for that employer?
Yes, you can still make a claim even if you have left the job where the exposure occurred.
Are occupational asthma claims No Win, No Fee?
Yes, claims are usually handled on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and no payment if your claim is unsuccessful.