GMC, If you are experiencing health problems I would be concerned. If your job requires you to wear a respirator, your company is *supposed* to have you checked out by a physician at their expense to ensure that you are healthy enough to wear a respirator. Employers are required by law to provide employees with training regarding the proper use, care, and maintenance of their respirator (OSHA).
Also my husband is an executive with the North Dakota Workers Comp Fund. I just asked him about your situation, and he assures me that you should see a physician; the claim will be work related. So even if you are not medically insured, your company's workers comp insurance will have to pay for the visit. Don't waste time. See a physician.
Finally, there are just some places that don't take appropriate care when it comes to the health of their employees. I'm not saying that your boss is one of those guys, but think about your long-term career plans. Is it really worth it to work for a guy who won't do the right thing for a customer and who may not be following health and safety rules for employees?
Get your health looked at. See a doctor and charge it to workers comp. Your boss should take care of the fix for the customer - that is part of the price of doing business.
My two cents. Good luck,
