You don’t want to go to work and return home in a less secure state than when you left, yet that is exactly what might happen to you. Read on to learn about five ways your boss might be keeping you in a dangerous workplace, then call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation if you believe your boss or the building owner is being careless.
Installing inefficient air-conditioning systems
You may believe that your office’s heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems are there to keep you comfortable, but they may possibly be damaging you. According to the EPA, polluted air filters, poorly designed ventilation systems, and outside air contaminants that readily filtered through the HVAC system were all major contributors to respiratory problems in office buildings.
Drywall can have serious health consequences
Formaldehyde, a commercial chemical preservative, is found in most drywall. New drywall can induce sore throats, skin irritation, headaches, and nosebleeds if you work in an office that has just been refurbished.
It’s possible that the lighting is making you dizzy
Many workplaces nowadays don’t have nearly enough natural light, and some don’t have any at all. Fluorescent lights are used to light offices instead. These are fantastic for saving energy, but they can trigger a condition called Irlen syndrome. It is caused by light sensitivity, which disrupts the brain’s regular processing capabilities. It can also be caused by computer screens. Fatigue, low motivation, difficulty sitting still, and poor comprehension are all possible consequences.
Carpet can contain formaldehyde for the same reason as drywall does: to keep it from rotting. Carpet, on the other hand, might be much worse since it may contain more VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Benzene and perchloroethylene are two examples. If your office’s carpet was recently laid, this might be a problem. Eye discomfort, headaches, and even nausea are all possible symptoms.
A dangerous refrigerator
Most workplaces feature a shared refrigerator where employees may store their lunches, snacks, and other goods. If the fridge isn’t cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis, it may become a breeding ground for airborne infections, contaminating all of the food within.
Many of the difficulties listed above are ones that your employer may not be aware of. However, if your employer is aware that anything they are doing is unsafe – or if they are aware that they are not taking the procedures necessary to keep you safe – they may be held liable through a personal injury lawsuit. If you would like a free legal consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney, please call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000.
