The start of spring brings everyone’s favorite seasonal chore — spring cleaning! As you dust, vacuum, organize, and declutter, don’t forget about the one room that often gets neglected. This year, give special attention to the utility closet. The utility closet houses your furnace, boiler, water heater, A/C junction, and other similar large appliances. Homeowners often forget about these appliances because they are out of sight and out of mind, and this can cost a lot in the long run. Like all the other rooms in your home, this space needs to be kept clean. Dust, for instance, can be hard on HVAC systems. Over time, it accumulates in the HVAC intake and clogs the air filter, reducing its effectiveness and efficiency. This results in a short lifespan for your system, higher power bills, and a poorly heated or cooled home. How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filter? • Homes with minimal foot traffic (single or double occupancy) and no pets or allergies: 6 to 12 months. DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN THE HEART OF YOUR HOME The Importance of Spring Cleaning Your Utility Room
• Family homes (three or more occupants) with no pets or allergies: 3 to 6 months. • Family homes with at least one pet or minor allergies: 2 to 3 months. • Family homes with multiple pets or allergies: 1 to 2 months. In addition to changing the air filter, it’s important to schedule a routine inspection of your home’s HVAC system. This includes an inspection of the appliances themselves and any connecting ducts. Dust, dander, and mold can accumulate in the ducts and spread throughout the home, which can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems. A routine inspection will identify potential problems in your HVAC system. On top of that, you can get these systems professionally cleaned and maintained. These are simple steps that will keep your home’s air systems running smoothly for years to come. Plus, you’ll be ready for the summer months ahead!
Why Our Victories Mean Something to Us
IT’S NOT ABOUT VICTORY; IT’S ABOUT CHANGE
In 2011, we had a case where a Department of Transportation employee lost part of her leg in an on-site accident while working in the back of a dump truck. Our client was getting the truck ready for winter snow operations when her boot was caught in a moving conveyor chain, causing irreparable damage. When we examined the events, we saw a high degree of negligence, and the decision to fight for her was a no-brainer. Disregard The defense stated our client ignored a danger decal warning not to be in the vicinity while the dump chain was in motion. While this was true, the real disregard was by the manufacturer and dealer. In many cases, the dealer would frequently access the dump truck and casually inspect the chain while it was in motion. They also stored tools there and disregarded other potential safety issues. Lack of Compliance With Industry Standards After careful examination, many of the industry standards required by the dealer were not upheld. Training was either improperly done or not done at all. The severe lack of oversight resulted in multiple OSHA violations that ultimately cost our client her leg.
Verdict The verdict was returned in favor of our client. In addition, the DOT was required to implement a series of heightened administrative controls. While we won the case, the lasting impact we were able to make on their policies was the highlight. People need to feel safe going to work, and that starts with proper protocols being in place. This case helped set a precedent for employers to make sure that their workers are operating in environments that promote excellence. That can’t be accomplished if people feel unsafe in their workplace. Our case inspired change that will make people safer, and that’s the ultimate victory.
Attorneys Paul Levin & Kelly Kasheta
2 • (860) 560-7226
www.connecticutinjuryhelp.com
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