How Healthy Is Your Workplace?
Did you know . . .
- occupational disease is the fourth leading cause of death in New York State?
- exposures to asbestos, chemicals, solvents, dusts, metals, noise or radiation can cause adverse health affects ?
- hazards can exist in all types of workplaces, from schools and factories to hospitals and offices?
- repetitive tasks such as typing or assembly work can cause muscular or skeletal pain?
- work-related symptoms often diminish outside the workplace on days off and vacations?
Many medical conditions may be related to your work.
- Do your wrists, hands or arms ache or feel numb, especially at night?
- Do you work with asbestos, solvents, lead or other dangerous materials?
- Do you develop difficulty breathing when on the job?
- Are any of your coworkers feeling similar symptoms?
- Are you concerned that substances you work with could affect you or your family’s health?
- Is your work repetitive or does it involve tasks done in awkward positions?
The Workers’ Center can help you get the help you need. We offer educational workshops about health and safety at the workplace as well as information about resources and organizations that can help you.
Our partner, the Occupational Health Clinical Center, is an excellent resource for injured or ill workers. OHCC can work with you to identify workplace health and illness risks and show you and your employer how hazardous exposures can be reduced or eliminated. They can also offer assistance in modifying your worksite and/or work habits to prevent further health problems.
OHCC has a team of occupational medicine specialists, industrial hygienist, social worker, nurses and other trained staff who provide a variety of services. Their mission is to provide an accurate, independent diagnosis of work-related illness in workers and former workers. If you feel that your health has been affected by your work, OHCC will take a medical and occupational history, perform a physical examination, do diagnostic testing, provide referrals for treatment and has social work services available.
Also dedicated to prevention of work-related health issues, OHCC has screening and monitoring programs, educates in disease and hazard recognition, evaluates health hazards in the workplace and makes recommendations for eradication of the hazards and collects data regarding occupational disease.
To make an appointment, call 315-432-8899 or 800-432-9590 between 9 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
OHCC, a New York State program, has an advisory board of representatives from labor groups, business organizations, academic institutions and other work related groups.
More resources about your right to a safe workplace:
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ Compensation is a form of insurance paid by your employer which entitles you to certain payments if you are injured, become sick or die on the job. It is a no-fault system: the issue of whom – if anyone – was at fault in causing the injury or illness is not considered. It is not up to your employer to decide if you receive benefits. File a claim. The Workers’ Compensation Board decides whether your injury or illness is covered.
You can reach the Workers’ Compensation Board at 1-866-802 3730
Injured on the job? An employe’s guide to Workers’ Compensation in NY
