Illinois § 2

§ 2.

It is hereby found and declared that there may exist a danger to the health of employees throughout the State from significant exposure to toxic substances encountered during the course and scope of employment. The results of this exposure may be tragic and may not be realized for years or even for generations. It is consistent to impose upon employers a duty to give each employee notice of his exposure to toxic substances which pose known and suspected health hazards and which may cause death or serious physical harm to the employee. It is further found and declared that employees are frequently in the best position to be aware of the symptoms of toxicity, if they are first made aware of the nature of the toxic substances they are working with. Employees have an inherent right to know about the known and suspected health hazards which may result from working with toxic substances so that they may make more knowledgeable and reasoned decisions with respect to any personal risks of their employment and the need for corrective action. Therefore, the Legislature intends by this Act to ensure that employees be given information concerning the nature of the toxic substances with which they work and full information concerning the known and suspected health hazards of such toxic substances. The provisions of this Act shall be liberally construed to effect the above purpose. (Source: P.A. 83-240.)