If you own a company in Minnesota, chances are you prioritize the safety and well-being of your workers. After all, they are the life and blood of your organization. Without them, it would be impossible to efficiently market and distribute your product to anxious customers over a length of time. At Fellman Law Office, we understand the risks that employers face that require them to put protocols in place to protect their workers and ultimately protect their organization.
Occupational diseases may not be recognized right away. Often, if one of your employees has been diagnosed with an occupational disease resulting from his or her work, it has probably taken time and consistent exposure to certain elements to get to the point of being irritating. If left unattended, it could worsen significantly and in serious cases, it could be life threatening. According to EKU Online, the most common occupational diseases include the following:
- Dermatitis
- Asthma
- Heat-related illnesses
- Hearing loss
To prevent these types of illnesses from affecting your employees, it is recommended that you develop policies designed to encourage safety and responsibility in the workplace. For example, to prevent heat-related illnesses, educate your workers about the importance of staying hydrated. Encourage them to wear light colored clothing and to take their breaks in a shady area whenever possible. If you have workers who are required to work with or around irritants, make sure they wear proper protective clothing and supplement with antihistamines if their condition gets too sensitive.
By incorporating these tips into your organizational practices, you can help protect your employees from common occupational diseases. For more information about workplace injuries, visit our web page.