Attachment to CA-2 Form

Claim # A14-273881

Filed date: 5-18-1992

 

Robert F. Farmer

 

Evidence required to support a claim for occupational disease:

 

1. Factors responsible for condition:

 

During my work in Crane Engineering, C/471.2, I was exposed to fumes, dust and dirt (that fell from large cracks in the ceiling/roof) caused by the roofing project of Building 455, from approximately 9/16/91 to 9/24/91. The dirt and dust was 1/4" to 1/2" deep. It caused significant lung, nose, and eye irritation.

 

From the start of my employment in Crane Engineering, C/471.2, on approximately 7/9/91 until the present time, I was exposed to high levels of vehicle exhaust fumes coming in off the floor of the Public Works shop work areas and the south side of building 455. Also during this same period I was exposed to high levels of welding and burning fumes from the Public Works shop work areas that penetrated my work areas.

 

The office and work areas for Crane Engineering are located over the Public Works Shops, in Building 455, that repair automobiles, trucks, heavy equipment, fork lifts, and cranes.

 

The windows of my office open to the south side of the building directly over the tire changing area. Truck and vehicle exhaust enter directly into my office windows. The exhaust pipes of many of these vehicles are directly at window level. They are often left running for the duration of the tire change (20-40 minutes).

 

2. History of condition:

 

During the time of this exposure, I had a sinus infection that lasted approximately 6 weeks. I was treated with 3 different levels of antibiotics before the infection was controlled. I was treated on 2/20/92, 2/26/92 and 3/11/92 at the Group Health Clinic in Silverdale for this condition. At the present time, I still feel some irritation in my sinus.

 

During the time of the exposure(s) I had headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. I also became very stressed out emotionally by the situation and my activism through the union to eliminate the health hazards.

 

Note: The levels of exposures vary with the work and the weather. During the winter months the exposure was very high. When the main doors to the vehicle areas can be left open during good weather, the levels of exposure seem to be lower.

 

3. Prior problems:

 

A. Stress - Claim No. A14-104239 (9/16/75)

 

B. Lung condition related to exposure to asbestos - Claim No. A14-213932 (11/5/85)

 

4. Medical report:

 

I was treated on 2/20/92, 2/26/92 and 3/11/92 at the Group Health Clinic in Silverdale. I have request a report be forwarded for this claim. At the time of the treatment, I was not aware of the connection between the illness and the exposure levels at work.

 

I am not under treatment for the headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and stress at the present time. The continuing exposure to the exhaust and welding fumes makes treatment futile. Corrective action to provide better ventilation is planned to take place in January 1993.