Help Workers Avoid Toxic Materials Toxic materials are so common it can be easy to forget how dangerous they can be even in daily activities or jobs. Unfortunately large lawsuits and workers compensation claims may arise when employees are exposed to harmful levels of toxic materials or chemicals. In addition to providing proper documentation, it is important to know what to do if/when employees come into contact with toxic materials and ways to avoid them:  Avoid lead poisoning. Bridges, tunnels and elevated highways are frequently coated with old paint that contains lead, so are homes built prior to 1978. If your employees work in rehabbing or repairing older homes, bridges, commercial buildings or other potential lead hazards then take appropriate precautions. Have blood lead levels measured prior to the job to determine the baseline and then checked regularly. Employers and employees should conduct a dialog about ways to reduce lead exposure.  Don’t breathe the asphalt (fumes). Workers are exposed to harmful fumes when roofing, waterproofing or paving roads with hot coal tar. These can cause skin, eye and respiratory problems and potentially cancer, down the road. Workers should be provided with the best equipment available to reduce fumes, as well as wearing proper protective gear.  Watch out for asbestos, lead and other toxins in older buildings and homes. Employers should supply tips on how to identify toxic substances. If you fear anyone has come in contact with these substances on the job, have the material sent to a lab for analysis. If contaminants are found, provide protective gear for all workers.  Be aware of hazards when cutting stone. The National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns workers can contract the lung diseases, silicosis, from dry-cutting masonry or stone, since the dust may contain silica. Employers can establish rules to wet-cut this material instead, or be sure to supply all workers with a full respirator system.