No Compensation or Disability for Injured Boeing Worker
personal account by Brian F. Teitzel
Hello, My name is Brian, I was born with anomalies to my left arm that
prevent full use of it. I was fortunate to become employed by Boeing
in 1986. In 1997 I developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my good arm
that required surgery. It was only a partial fix. I was left with a
Permanent Partial Disability to my good arm/wrist.
Boeing moved me to a different place in the shop at the 17-45 bldg. in
Auburn. I worked near a process area known as The Salt Bath. It uses a
caustic chemical called "Kolene # 6" used for stripping paint. At
times the huge tank would give off a belch of steam from below the
grate in the floor next to the tank. The process required the chemical
to be heated to high temperatures and it was always hot in the area.
There were fans that helped keep the heat down but they also
distributed the rotten-egg smell throughout the area.
I began to have a problem with my throat and swallowing was getting
difficult. I informed the supervisor and was told to go to the Boeing
Medical center in Auburn. The doctor was told of my condition and he
said "They have always had a problem with that salt bath." I was put
on a medical leave and was on the Washington State Labor and
Industries compensation for almost one year, then it stopped without
notice. When I called the insurance company they told me my problem is
a preexisting condition, probably acid reflux that is further
irritated by snoring or breathing through my mouth instead of my nose
or constantly clearing my throat. They also said I was cleared to
return to work at my job, but to avoid any chemical fumes and vapors.
Since the initial exposure, I have had problems with even common house
hold cleaners that never bothered me before. I even have trouble with
the smell of some wood now. While I was on L&I, the Ear, Nose and
Throat Doctor refereed me to a digestive disease center for a 24 hour
pH test. I had to have a tube shoved up my nose and down to my stomach
to see if I was suffering from any acid reflux. The tests were
negative!
Boeing sent me a letter in January 2000 while I was on medical leave
and it stated that extensive efforts had been made to find suitable
employment for me but due to my disabilities and medical restrictions
they were unable to give me a position within the company. They told
me I would be eligible to collect Unemployment Insurance. I applied
for UI in January of 2002 and soon found that I was not eligible
because I am not able to work. I sent the insurance company and L&I a
letter of appeal as well as all the medical recommendations Boeing put
on me to convince them that I can't work, but it didn't do any good. I
went to the union for help and all they could do was suggest I apply
for Social Security Disability. So much for 14 years of union dues!
I have sent the Attorney General a letter explaining to her my plight
as well. At one time in my life before my CPS injury I was able to
work with wood (one of my hobbies) all day long, now I need several
breaks to give my hand a rest and get the feeling back. Since the
chemical exposure I can't be around the smell of cedar, oak and poplar
because it affects my breathing at night and swallowing the next
morning. My life hasn't been normal since. To top all this I was
married four months before the exposure and felt like I was on top of
the world! Now it seems, the company I gave my good arm to has turned
its big ugly back on me.
Thank you for letting share my experience with you.
The forty-five-year-old author lives in Graham, WA, and is still
waiting to hear if he is eligible for disability payments from the
Social Security Administration. He also hopes someone will hear of his
case and help him obtain justice.
| 
