In what is undoubtedly good news for the thousands of hospitality workers across California, it has been confirmed that the state will adopt new health and safety standards for those employed in the industry. The standard was approved on March 9, and will come into effect on July 1, 2018. Written specifically to protect hotel housekeepers from musculoskeletal injuries, the Cal/OSHA-enforced Hotel Housekeeping Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention addition to Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations is the first of its kind to be introduced in the United States.
What Does Section 3345 Mean for Me?
The new health and safety standard – Section 3345: Hotel Housekeeping Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention, to give it its full title – will mean that hotel housekeepers can expect some additional protection against common injuries that tend to occur amongst those employed in certain positions. Under the regulations, all employers of hotel housekeepers in California will be legally obliged to implement a Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program including:
- Procedures devised to identify and evaluate housekeeping hazards through workplace evaluations, which must include input from housekeepers themselves
- Procedures designed to investigate musculoskeletal injuries amongst housekeepers
- Implementing measures to rectify hazards which are identified while completing the first two points
- Ensuring training is provided to all relevant employees on safe controls and practices, with a clear process for reporting injuries immediately
The new standard has been introduced due to the higher than average occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries amongst hotel housekeepers, and the ongoing health issues that can result from such injuries.
Working with a Los Angeles Workplace Injuries Attorney
Whether you work as a hotel housekeeper or in any other role, workplace injuries can occur all too often, potentially wreaking havoc in your life. If you sustain an injury at work, and believe that your employer or their insurance company is not treating it appropriately, a Los Angeles workplace injuries attorney could help you to recover compensation.
Some of the injuries we regularly handle on behalf of Los Angeles employees just like you include:
- Workplace accidents and injuries including falls, lifting injuries, machinery accidents and more
- Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, torn rotator cuff, or back injury
- Cardiac and pulmonary conditions, including heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, and similar complaints
- Occupational diseases such as vision loss, hearing damage, or asbestos disease
- Stress-related injuries, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders
- Side effects of botched surgery
- Aggravation of previous injuries or existing medical conditions
Regardless of your role, or area of work, an experienced Los Angeles workplace injuries attorney may be able to help you recover compensation.
Not all Workplace Injuries are Physical
It is all too common for people not to be aware that stress-related workplace injuries are just as valid as physical ailments and, as such, may be eligible for worker’s compensation. If you are suffering from:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks caused by a hostile working environment
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
You could be entitled to claim worker’s compensation. To discuss your circumstances with a highly-experienced Los Angeles workplace injuries attorney, call us today on 818-812-5639 to schedule your free consultation.
