Connecticut Spring Worker Safety

May 1st, 2007 Posted by Amelia

Mild temperatures, fragrant breezes and trees in brand new livery are some of the images that readily spring to mind, when one thinks of the arrival of springtime. Nevertheless, it is not so everywhere. In the state of Connecticut, arrival of spring also means the potential for thunderstorms and heavy rain. Planning is necessary to counter the possibility of workers being injured in extreme weather conditions.

Electricity failure can result in a major threat to Connecticut worker safety. In case of a power failure, only a licensed electrician should be allowed to correct the problem. Poorly connected generators, faulty wiring, or an untrained person tinkering with the circuitry can result in short circuits, electrocution or fire.

Propane or natural gas equipment such as heaters etc. should be monitored carefully. There is a high chance of such equipment being damaged in a storm, especially if there is hail or ice as well. If you smell gas or hear a hissing leak, or you find the flames too high because of a disturbed gas pressure, a qualified worker must be contacted immediately to take care of the situation.

Another aspect critical to worker safety is ventilation. Open ovens, gas ranges and propane heaters are dangerous to be used indoors. If they must be used indoors, then extreme caution must be exercised to ensure proper ventilation. If such appliances are used indoors without proper ventilation, the residents of that area can suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Similarly, extreme care should also be taken that the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are properly installed and maintained, and are in working condition at all times. If stoves that require forced air circulation are being used in cooking areas, every care must be taken. In case of a power failure, the supply of forced air cannot be maintained and it can result in an unnatural build-up of heat that could cause a number of accidents.

No Comments >> Posted in Connecticut,Federal Labor Laws,Health and Safety,Regulations

Sexual Harassment

September 14th, 2006 Posted by Amelia

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations, as well as to the federal government.

Several states mandate the display of sexual harassment posters, including Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Vermont. In other states, many employers choose to display a poster on sexual harassment prominently in the workplace, as part of their prevention program.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the EEOC, prevention is the best tool to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers are encouraged to take steps necessary to prevent sexual harassment from occurring. They should clearly communicate to employees that sexual harassment will not be tolerated. They can do so by providing sexual harassment training to their employees and by establishing an effective complaint or grievance process and taking immediate and appropriate action when an employee complains.

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual’s employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to the following:

  • The victim as well as the harasser may be a woman or a man. The victim does not have to be of the opposite sex.
  • The harasser can be the victim’s supervisor, an agent of the employer, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or a non-employee.
  • The victim does not have to be the person harassed but could be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.
  • Unlawful sexual harassment may occur without economic injury to or discharge of the victim.
  • The harasser’s conduct must be unwelcome.
  • It is helpful for the victim to inform the harasser directly that the conduct is unwelcome and must stop. The victim should use any employer complaint mechanism or grievance system available.
No Comments >> Posted in Alaska,Connecticut,Employment Laws,Hostile Environment,Massachusetts,Rhode Island,Sexual Harassment,South Dakota,Vermont

State of Connecticut Compliance Poster Requirements

September 6th, 2006 Posted by Hannah

Employees in Connecticut have the right to stay informed on their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.  This information is provided on the Connecticut Posters.  Employers need to post these posters within the workplace where they are readily accessible to the employees.  Good places include the work room or break room – any place the employees tend to gather before, during or after work.

Connecticut posters are so helpful for everyone involved in the workplace.  Employees can find out what exactly their rights are, what happens if their rights are violated and who they need to contact to file a complaint against their employer if the need arises.  Additionally, employers can benefit from the Connecticut posters as well.  If they are using the most current posters, they will be able to know what exactly their responsibilities are when it comes to upholding the state and federal labor laws as well.  For example, if they have the most current poster available, they will know what they need to do to allow their employees proper leave according to the Family and Medical Leave Act and they will know exactly which circumstances constitute sexual discrimination in the workplace.

There are several state laws that are require to be posted on Connecticut posters: Workers’ Compensation Act, Sexual Harassment, Minimum Wage, Discrimination Notice, Electronic Monitoring and the Unemployment Poster.  Furthermore, federal laws that apply to the workplace as well.  They include USERRA – Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law, Federal Minimum Wage, Employee Polygraph Protection Act, Family and Medical Leave Act and OSHA – Job Safety and Health Protection.

State labor laws are frequently updated and Connecticut is no exception to that rule.  That is why it’s so important for employers in the state to make sure they have the most current Connecticut posters posted in the workplace – it’s the best way to make sure everyone has the information they need to keep the workplace lawful for everyone involved.

No Comments >> Posted in Compliance Issues,Connecticut,Connecticut,Employer Requirements,Labor Law Posters