If you’ve got a spot of mold in your workplace, make sure to document it.
Mold is present everywhere both indoors and in nature, but it doesn’t become a problem until it starts to colonize in your home or workplace. We’ve all considered the possibility of mold in our homes, and we know what steps we should take to avoid it. Unfortunately, as a worker you have little control over the care of your work place. Your building is overseen by the owners or their landlords, so all you can do is make sure they are aware of any mold-related problems so that they can begin the mold remediation process. You spend a huge chunk of your day in your office space, breathing in the air that circulates. If that air is teeming with mold spores, it’s time to take action so that you don’t find yourself dealing with the negative health effects of mold.
Dealing with Mold in the Work Place
Step 1: Notify your Manager
As soon as you identify or suspect mold, let your manager know via email. Your email will serve as documentation of the actions you took to correct the situation. Include details like when you first noticed the smell, the colony, and any effects you may be experiencing. Note the location of colonies you’ve seen, and how big they were. Also document the condition of your work environment. Make sure to include things like visible water damage, a humid climate, water stains, leaky pipes, and musky smells. Ask your manager to notify the proper person in order to get the problem corrected promptly.
Step 2: Follow Up
If you don’t receive an answer from your manager within a few days, don’t give up. Mold is a serious issue that poses a genuine threat to your health. See your manager in person and remind him or her of your email and ask that they take action. If no steps are taken towards correcting the issue, contact your company’s human resources department, or a higher ranking manager for help.
Step 3: Ask for OSHA’s Assistance
Not everyone is able to see mold for the genuine problem that it is. If your company refuses to take action towards mold remediation and prevention, contact or visit your local Occupational Safety and Health Administration office. You can check their website for location information. OSHA will help you communicate the necessity of mold remediation to your company so that the problem will get solved.
Contact Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group
Mold isn’t a problem that corrects itself, and mold remediation in the work place is just as important as it is for your home. Don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group for commercial mold remediation. With more than 30 years in the mold remediation industry, we have the experience and tools to help you. Contact us at 410-258-3579 or 1-877-591-MOLD (6653). Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!