The Connecticut
General Assembly established protections regarding the
confidentiality of individuals with HIV infection or AIDS in 1989.
Below is the current language, which was updated in 1997 and again
in 1999.
The Connecticut
Supreme Court ruled 5-2 that the
high rate of HIV infection among prisoners creates a unique and
hazardous job environment for certain prison guards, clearing the
way for them to receive workers' compensation if they become
infected.
Occupational
diseases are a potentially under-recognized source of disability
given the wide disparity in reporting requirements and procedures
that exist in various jurisdictions. Nonetheless, an occupational
disease could have major impacts on worker health, ability to work,
and employer costs. Some diseases, such as cancers from asbestos
exposure or HIV or hepatitis from exposure to bloodborne agents in
health care, can be fatal. Other diseases, such as Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome from ergonomic problems, can result in high levels of
disability from loss of use of the hands. Prevention efforts, such
as effective health and safety committees, ergonomic programs, or
use of safe needle devices can result in substantial reductions in
disease and costs; in theory, all occupational diseases are
preventable.
Ruling on lawsuit:
COMPENSATION REVIEW BOARD - WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION
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