Bulletin No. 46-06
August 28, 2006

State Division of Workers' Compensation to hold free Spanish-language seminar on workers' compensation benefits and laws in Fresno

Cal/OSHA will also advise employees about heat illness prevention

Event
The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) will conduct a free Spanish-language seminar on workers' compensation benefits and laws in Fresno Aug. 30. A representative from Cal/OSHA will also be on hand to advise employees about how to prevent heat illness.

Date & time
Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006
6 - 7 p.m.

Location
Fresno County Public Library
Central Branch
Sarah E. McCardle Community Service Room
2420 Mariposa Street
Fresno, CA

Special information

• Members of the news media are invited to attend. Spanish-speaking workers' compensation and Cal/OSHA representatives will be available for interviews
  
• Injured workers can call 1-800-736-7401 and press 2 to get workshop and other workers' compensation information in Spanish
  
• A schedule of days, times and locations for the workshops can be found on DWC's Web site at www.dir.ca.gov/dwc. Click on the link that says, "Injured on the job? Need to know your rights?"
  
• Heat illness prevention information is available on line at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/HeatIllnessInfo.html

Background
"During recent inspections of construction and agricultural work sites, Cal/OSHA found many of the employers they visited in violation of at least one of the state's safety and health laws," said DWC Acting Administrative Director Carrie Nevans. "This workforce is vulnerable to injury, and especially to heat related illness because of the nature of the work. It's vital that we advise them about their rights."

At this free one-hour seminar, those attending will learn about their right to medical treatment, disability payments, returning to work after an injury and resolving a disagreement over a claim. They will also receive vital information on preventing heat related illness. The seminar will consist of a presentation followed by a question and answer session and is open to all workers.

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