FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       Connecticut Department of Public Health

March 1, 2010                                     Contact: William Gerrish

                                                            (860) 509-7270 

Hartford – The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Occupational Health Unit announced its Workplace Hazard Assessment Program today, which offers Connecticut employers confidential, non-regulatory, on-site evaluations to address health and safety concerns in their workplaces.

In 2008, 67,358 Connecticut residents were treated for work-related injuries or illnesses that resulted in days away from work, job modification, or job transfer.  “Workers who are injured or made ill at work cost Connecticut businesses millions of dollars every year” said DPH Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin.  “Identifying and controlling potential workplace hazards before they affect workers is paramount to controlling these costs for employers in our state and to keeping Connecticut working in these tough economic times.”

The department’s Workplace Hazard Assessment Program offers no-cost evaluation to assist employers with identifying potential workplace hazards and to provide them with recommendations for implementing or improving hazard controls to enhance their existing health and safety efforts.

Employers who are interested in learning more about the Department of Public Health’s Workplace Hazard Assessment Program can visit the Department’s website at www.ct.gov/dph/occupationalhealth or call 860-509-7740. 

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state.  To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.