Reducing workers' compensation costs for latex allergy and litigation against glove manufacturing companies

Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology : Official Organ of the International Society for Environmental Toxicology and Cancer
R F EdlichWilliam B Long

Abstract

It has been well documented in the medical literature that powdered medical gloves can have serious consequences to patients and health-care workers. Adverse reactions to natural latex gloves, such as contact dermatitis and urticaria, occupational asthma, and anaphylaxis, have been documented as a significant cause of Workers' Compensation claims among health-care workers. While the cost of examination and surgical gloves is significant, this factor must be considered with the total cost of Workers' Compensation claims and possible litigation bestowed upon hospitals and glove manufacturing companies. In the United States, Canada, Belgium, and Germany, medical leaders have documented the dangers of powdered latex gloves and have implemented transition programs that are reducing Workers' Compensation claims filed by health-care workers. While attorneys view litigation against powdered glove manufacturers as the "next big tort", the authors of this article were not able to document all compensation costs to disabled workers because many settlements do not allow the claimant to disclose this information.

Citations

Oct 11, 2012·Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology·Christina Y Wang, Howard I Maibach
Feb 11, 2011·International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health·Manori AmarasekeraMaheshika Jinadasa
Sep 25, 2010·Annals of Plastic Surgery·Richard F EdlichRobert B Zura
Feb 24, 2012·Annals of Plastic Surgery·Richard F EdlichKant Y Lin

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