Connecticut employers need to do all they can to create a safe work environment. There are several key factors in this, and one of them is maintaining good indoor air quality. This applies to all industries, though the details will be different.
Certain industrial chemicals like benzene must be regulated in their use. Many buildings built before the 1970s will contain asbestos, especially in materials like tiles, pipes and roofing sheets. Some 1.3 million workers are exposed to asbestos every year in the U.S. In wood industries, there is also the danger of silica exposure. Silica can be found in dust and, if inhaled over long periods of time, can cause lung disease. Employers in office buildings need to protect against exposure to pollen and mold.
Ergonomics is another key to safety. Employees who must sit for extended periods should have adjustable seats with ample back support. Otherwise, they may develop musculoskeletal injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Ideally, employees should not have to strain to reach their keyboard and should have their computer monitor directly in front of them. Employers need to develop a trusting environment where employees can speak up about safety hazards without fear of retaliation. Combined with this, they can institute continual training on how to find and eliminate hazards.
Sometimes, workers can be injured through no fault of their employer. In such cases, they can still file for workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover medical expenses and in some cases a percentage of wages lost during the recovery period. They might want to have legal assistance in helping to ensure that the claim contains all required documentation and is timely filed.
