Chemical Odors
Prairie
49 Posts
Our building's lower level flooded a month ago and we are in the process of cleanup. During this process, a botanical disinfectant was used. Even though this disinfectant was non-toxic, with no known adverse effects, one of our employees was exposed to a very heavy odor that affected her breathing and we had to call the paramedics. She also has a heart condition. Her desk was in a place that held the odor. A number of other employees were affected to a lesser degree. Any employee who was affected was sent home. Now, the cleanup company is painting, and next week the carpeting will be laid. The odors will be there and will linger for a while. What obligation do we have as an employer to the employees? We can't just close our doors - we are a local government entity and provide social services to the general public.
Comments
Our response was to first look to see if we could set up work space at one of our other locations for those employees who reported a reaction. For those who we could not relocate for the few days, we told them we would approve their requests for leave. Some grumbled about having to use their accrued leave, but most appreciated our efforts.