Mold in Office

[graceous]

What is the name of your state California?

I informed employer of black mold growing in my office. Objects that were placed against the wall, and had not been moved for at least a month, were moved, and not only was black mold in approximately a 10" x 10" noticed, but also wetness from water on at least one of the objects, including on the floor.. This facility has a history of mold problems and water damage and a mold specialist had been involved in the past. This is a facility that see patients for medical reasons.

The problem was brushed off and manager decided it was because I spilled water. I have not had any water at my desk for over a month, only coffee. This was documented in an email. Coffee would have looked like coffee, not clear water. The next day, It was cleaned and waterproofing was applied. As far as I can tell, there is a crawlspace behind the wall and/or a/c vents. Does not appear any further action will be taken.

I experienced respiratory symptoms last week as appear to be related to mold sickness.

Would I have any success filing a complaint with the Department of Health or a similar agency to get this company to further investigate this problem? I understand there are some laws in California but they seem kind of vague. I have a photo ,a letter of concern to manager and the response, and I am documenting everything related to this.

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state California?

I informed employer of black mold growing in my office. Objects that were placed against the wall, and had not been moved for at least a month, were moved, and not only was black mold in approximately a 10" x 10" noticed, but also wetness from water on at least one of the objects, including on the floor.. This facility has a history of mold problems and water damage and a mold specialist had been involved in the past. This is a facility that see patients for medical reasons.

The problem was brushed off and manager decided it was because I spilled water. I have not had any water at my desk for over a month, only coffee. This was documented in an email. Coffee would have looked like coffee, not clear water. The next day, It was cleaned and waterproofing was applied. As far as I can tell, there is a crawlspace behind the wall and/or a/c vents. Does not appear any further action will be taken.

I experienced respiratory symptoms last week as appear to be related to mold sickness.

Would I have any success filing a complaint with the Department of Health or a similar agency to get this company to further investigate this problem? I understand there are some laws in California but they seem kind of vague. I have a photo ,a letter of concern to manager and the response, and I am documenting everything related to this.

Sure. You could have success in getting the mold problem remedied by filing complaints, this if you have spoken to your employer about the mold and he has only “covered up” the problem and done nothing to address the source of the mold.

You might also have a worker’s compensation claim to pursue if you are experiencing health issues that can be directly tied to the mold in your office.

You will want the mold tested (not all mold is “black mold”) and you will want a physical examination to see if what you are experiencing is related to mold exposure.

 

[zddoodah]

I'm not sure what "success filing a complaint with the Department of Health" might mean. The DOH isn't going to award you any money. Whether it will or won't investigate isn't something anyone here can predict, and you'll never know until and unless you make a report.

 

[quincy]

I'm not sure what "success filing a complaint with the Department of Health" might mean. The DOH isn't going to award you any money. Whether it will or won't investigate isn't something anyone here can predict, and you'll never know until and unless you make a report.

“Success” no doubt would be having the mold problem remedied.

 

[graceous]

Yes, success is having the mold problem remedied. I want management to take this seriously and have a full inspection and assessment done of the mold problem by people who do this for a living, not assessed by a manager who no experience in this area and a vested experience in making it ok when it is not. I am not looking for money. I care about my health and this can certainly impact it, as well as my coworkers and patients.

 

[quincy]

Yes, success is having the mold problem remedied. I want management to take this seriously and have a full inspection and assessment done of the mold problem by people who do this for a living, not assessed by a manager who no experience in this area and a vested experience in making it ok when it is not. I am not looking for money. I care about my health and this can certainly impact it, as well as my coworkers and patients.

Your goal is a good one.

Here are two links, the first to the California Department of Public Health and the second to an OSHA guide on mold in the workplace:

https://www.cdph.ca.gov

https://www.osha.gov/publications/shib101003

You should also see your personal physician for an examination if your health issues continue. You will want to determine if the mold that exists in your workplace is the cause of your respiratory problems.

Good luck.

 

[zddoodah]

No one here can predict what will happen if you report the matter to the DOH.

 

[quincy]

No one here can predict what will happen if you report the matter to the DOH.

But we can predict with some certainty that nothing will happen if no report is made.

 

[adjusterjack]

I care about my health and this can certainly impact it,

Print out this form. Fill out as much as you can. Keep a copy and give a copy to your employer and tell him you are going to the doctor to check out your respiratory illness caused by the mold.

EMPLOYER'S REPORT OF OCCUPATIONAL INJURY OR ILLNESS (ca.gov)

The print out this next form. Fill out as much as you (1-18 leave the rest for the doctor). Keep a copy. Take a copy to your doctor.

5021.pdf (ca.gov)

Your employer may want you to see the WC doctor. That's OK. You'll still have the option of going to your own doctor if you don't agree with the WC doctor's evaluation.

 

[quincy]

This thread is from September 2021.

 

[Eekamouse]

Yeah, she's probably dead by now.

 

[adjusterjack]

Then why did it show up at the top of the new thread list?

Another "bump to remove spam from the main board"?

Oy.

 

[Zigner]

Then why did it show up at the top of the new thread list?

Another "bump to remove spam from the main board"?

Oy.

It was a spam post that got reported/deleted, but the post still showed on the new threads. I had the same thing happen and had to actually use the "Mark Forums Read" button to get it to stop showing as new.