Compensation For MEK Poisoning at Work

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

What It Is, How It Happens, and What To Do Next

Workers in the paint and printing industries frequently handle the solvent methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), but MEK poisoning at work is a very real risk. MEK is typically found in paint shops, print rooms, manufacturing plants and aerospace facilities. In fact, anywhere that relies on fast‑evaporating solvents to clean, thin, or dissolve materials. But it’s a powerful solvent which may affect the central nervous system and irritate the eyes and skin. Exposure generally happens because safety rules  were not followed and if this has happened to you, you may want to find out more on filing a personal injury claim for compensation.

Why Is MEK Used So Widely?

MEK is a colourless, highly flammable liquid with a sharp, sweet smell. It evaporates quickly, which makes it ideal for work involving paint thinning, degreasing metal parts, printing processes and resin and plastic manufacturing, as well as in adhesive production.

Industries love it because of its’ speed and efficiency. But that same volatility means workers can breathe in high concentrations in a short space of time if ventilation and PPE are not up to scratch. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has detailed information on testing and monitoring for MEK in the workplace.

In many workshops, MEK is used so routinely that workers stop noticing the smell. So, if your nose becomes desensitised, that’s often the first sign that exposure levels are too high.

How MEK Exposure Affects the Body

A common pattern with MEK poisoning is that early symptoms are easy to brush off as tiredness or a long day at work. But the effects can escalate quickly.

Typical symptoms of MEK exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, skin irritation, and difficulty concentrating. Long-term exposure can cause memory problems, nerve damage, and chronic skin or respiratory issues.

There’s also evidence that MEK can worsen the effects of other chemicals, meaning workers exposed to multiple solvents may face compounded risks.

A surprising number of workers only realise MEK was affecting them after taking a week off. This is generally noticed when symptoms suddenly improve when they’re away from the workplace. That contrast is often a key piece of evidence in a later compensation claim.

Why MEK Exposure Happens at Work

MEK poisoning is almost always preventable. When it happens, it’s usually because employers haven’t followed the rules set out in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.

Common causes behind MEK poisoning at work can include:

1. Poor Ventilation

Spray booths, print rooms, and cleaning stations should have extraction systems. When they don’t, vapours build up fast.

 2. Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Workers should be provided with proper PPE, such as respiratoes, chemical-resistant gloves and the correct eye protection.

If PPE is missing, inadequate, or not replaced when worn out, the risk of exposure is considerably higher.

3. Inadequate Training

Despite strict health and safety regulations in England and Wales, some workers will never be told how dangerous MEK actually is to their health and may lack training on how to handle and store it safely.

4. Spills and Poor Housekeeping

MEK evaporates quickly which may make it appear to be harmless. But, liquid on surfaces increases vapour concentration and can cause skin burns.

5. Faulty or Improperly Maintained Equipment

Leaking containers, damaged hoses, or poorly sealed drums can release vapours continuously.

In our experience, claims such as for hazardous chemicals, are a result of a gradual slipping of safety measures in the workplace.

Can You Claim Compensation for MEK Poisoning?

Yes. If you suffered MEK‑related illness because your employer failed to protect you, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.

You don’t need to have collapsed at work or been hospitalised. Even “milder” symptoms, like chronic headaches or neurological issues should be checked out as these can form the basis of a claim if they’re linked to exposure.

Quick Guide on How to Start a Personal Injury Claim After MEK Exposure

Filing a claim for MEK poisoning isn’t complicated, but it does help to take things in the right order. Here’s how most people begin the process in real life:

1. Get Checked by a Doctor

If you think MEK exposure is behind your symptoms, get yourself seen by a GP or at A&E as soon as possible. Make a list to tell the doctor:

• What symptoms you’ve had
• When they started
• What kind of work you do
• How often you’re around solvents like MEK

Even if it feels like “just a headache” or “a bit of dizziness,” getting it on record matters later.

2. Tell Your Employer What Happened

It is vital to let your employer know about the exposure and make sure it’s written down somewhere official. That usually means:

• The accident book (most companies have one)
• An internal incident report

If they brush you off or refuse to record it, write your own account—dates, times, what you were doing and email it to your manager.

3. Start Collecting Anything That Shows What Working Conditions Were Like

This part often makes the biggest difference. You don’t need to become a detective, but gather anything that helps paint a picture of what was going on at work. For example:

• Photos of the area where you were working
• PPE you were given (or not given)
• Notes from colleagues who saw the same issues
• Training records showing what you were, or weren’t, taught
• Safety data sheets for MEK
• Ventilation or maintenance reports
• Emails or messages where you raised concerns

A lot of people underestimate how useful the small things are. A quick photo of a broken extractor fan or a text to a colleague saying “this stuff is making me dizzy again” can end up being very helpful as evidence.

It is also useful to keep a symptom diary as this can detail when your symptoms first appeared, how long they lasted for and how long they affected your daily life. It’s also worth noting any time off work you had to take because of these symptoms.

Why Should You Contact a Specialist Personal Injury Solicitor?

Work injury claims are complex and an experienced solicitor will start with assessing whether you have a valid claim. Our partner solicitors offer a free consultation as well as a No Win No Fee option which means you don’t pay upfront.

Your solicitor will also arrange any independent medical assessments and handle negotiations with your company’s insurers. When it comes to handling the claim process, they will notify your employer, build your case and negotiate compensation.

If the employer denies liability, the case may proceed to court, but the majority of cases are settled before that stage.

What Compensation Can Cover

A successful MEK poisoning claim may include compensation for pain and suffering, as well as for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical expenses and any travel expenses for treatments.

The amount depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Your solicitor should also be able to provide an estimate with regard to your specific case.

Get Started

Many workers across the UK have successfully claimed compensation after discovering their health problems were preventable. You generally have three years from the date of exposure, or from when your symptoms were first linked to your work, to make a claim. It is essential to act within the legal timeframe, so it is worth getting legal advice early as to whether your claim is viable.

We will guide you through the claims process. Contact us today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation.

This guide is general in nature and not a substitute for personalised legal or medical advice.