For people working in prisons or healthcare settings there remains a continuing risk of contracting the latent form of Pulmonary Tuberculosis. This can be contracted by Prison Officers and Prisoners themselves in prisons.
A diagnosis of Latent TB can be made following mantoux testing in a hospital. Anybody diagnosed with Latent TB will be required to undergo a course of heavy medication (isoniazid chemo prophylaxas) for 6 months. They will be required to be reviewed while on the medication to ensure that there are no adverse side effects to taking same.
COULD MY EMPLOYER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY DIAGNOSIS?
Employers in Ireland have a duty to protect their workers against infection and injury. They also have a duty to provide a safe place or work, a safe system of work and Prison Authorities should screen and monitor its prisoners for tuberculosis infection. They also have to provide protective equipment such as masks to people who may be exposed to tuberculosis infection.
These duties and obligations are set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and under the law of negligence and contract.
Moloney Solicitors have particular expertise in handling cases where employees have contracted latent TB and Tuberculosis during the course of their employment as a result of the negligence, breach of duty and breach of contract of their employers. If you have been affected by this issue please email Liam Moloney Solicitor at liammoloney@moloneysolicitors.ie for further advice concerning your legal remedies,
