In a recent blog post, the Council for Responsible Genetics has listed several shocking cases of workers in biotech labs contracting illnesses apparently related to their work, and yet being denied compensation in a timely manner.
A scientist who worked for Pfizer developing genetic delivery systems for cloning into viruses fell ill, and was sacked by the company when she could not return to work by the deadline date. She had to wage a struggle for several years before she was awarded compensation, and that too not for the illness but for the company violating her free speech and whistleblower rights.
It appeared that Pfizer could legally deny data on workers’ lab exposures, as it is protected as a trade secret.
Another person who worked as a researcher and technician on crop and insect control projects was exposed to living bacteria, fungi and insects, which he claims sickened him. He could not get any compensation due in no small measure to his employer providing him with the wrong name of its insurer. When finally he found the actual insurer, the latter also denied the claim.
The fact is that many of the microorganisms the researcher worked with were found in his body.
Read about these and other cases at CRG Blog.
