Hartford — United Technologies Corp. says it may furlough more than 5,000 workers if the U.S. government shutdown continues into next month.

United Technologies says its Sikorsky division, which makes Black Hawk helicopters, would be hit first. It expects nearly 2,000 employees, including those employed at facilities in Connecticut, Florida and Alabama, will be furloughed by Monday.

The Hartford-based manufacturer said Wednesday that it must halt some defense manufacturing because government inspectors themselves have been furloughed. That leaves the company without the necessary federal approvals to make military products.

If the shutdown continues through next week, United Technologies' furloughs may rise to 4,000 workers. That would include employees in the Pratt & Whitney and UTC Aerospace Systems divisions.