The Center for Progressive Reform has published a new guide that can help employees and business owners in Georgia and across the US ensure a nontoxic workplace. It is entitled “Chemical Detox for the Workplace: A Guide to Securing a Nontoxic Work Environment.”
By following this guide, employers may be able to effect positive changes faster than organizations like OSHA and the EPA can. The latter, according to CPR, face the opposition of lobbyists from well-funded industries whenever they try to develop workplace protections against toxic substances. There is no lack of scientific evidence to back up the need for these protections, though.
There are three sections in the guide. The first one addresses how to reduce the risk for toxic exposure and what to do in the event that employees are injured. For example, employers can look for safer substitutes for toxic chemicals with their workers. CPR also goes over how to file a complaint with OSHA and submit a tip to the EPA.
The second section is about federal laws. The third is about diminishing hazards and improving the way one can identify chemical information. Some eye-opening statistics are included as well. An estimated 50,000 workers die every year in the US from work-related diseases. Agriculture, home cleaning, home repairs, building and chemical manufacturing are some of the most at-risk industries.
Not all accidents can be prevented by improvements in workplace safety. However, even in cases where the employer is not to blame, injured individuals can still file for workers’ compensation benefits, potentially being reimbursed for a portion of lost wages, medical expenses and short- or long-term disability leave. They may want a lawyer to help them file the claim and, if payment is denied, mount an appeal. An attorney may also discuss the possibility of a liability or nonliability settlement.
