Comment by Log_out_
2 years ago
I wear a mask occasionally but for a lot of physical jobs it's just not feasible. As in the mask clogs and needs constant replacement or just limits the flow of breath. If you shovel with a dirty mask or have one in a cold (freezer) environment, it's like getting waterboarded.
Its no biggy in an office, and I guess for a ton of people that's the reference "work". On construction sites etc you get a ton of pseudo protection where people pretend to comply to escape the jurists and egghead harassment.
I totally agree that stone lung is horrific, but I also think a ton of laws fail that protection goal miserable on purpose.
Right, despite my earlier comments I have to agree that in some situations masks are a significant problem. I've had them clog from dust when my hands haven't been free to change them or similarly perspiration from my forehead has made them wet to the extent that no air could flow leaving me gasping for breath.
So what's the solution? It seems that in some situations there is none. Perhaps in those situations the only move would be to inform people of the risks of not wearing masks and let them decide whether to work there or not.
That said, persons who later develop a dust-borne disease are likely to change their tune when the seriousness of their predicament sinks in and then retrospectively blame their employer for allowing them to work sans masks. Moreover, no insurance company would tolerate such a situation if aware of the fact—hence the laws, even if they're unworkable.