Is My Building Sick?, Responsibilities

Is My Building Sick?

Responsibilities

All employees have a responsibility to inform their supervisor of any personal, physical, or mental condition that could compromise the safety or health of themselves or coworkers (Health and Safety Code Handbook, FSH 6709-11, section 04.4). Employees need to let their supervisor know if they experience symptoms as a result of indoor air quality issues. Issues can't be addressed if they are not identified.

First-line supervisors are responsible for identifying job-related hazards and eliminating potential causes of accidents and injuries to the best of their ability. Most supervisors can best protect their employees by reporting air quality problems that don't have obvious and immediate solutions to their line officer rather than trying to solve the problem. Line officers are responsible for the health, safety, and training of employees. Line officers usually direct the facilities manager to investigate and solve indoor air quality problems.

Be sure to let all of the building's occupants know when an indoor air quality issue or complaint is being investigated. When you locate the source of a problem, let occupants know what was found, and how and when it will be fixed. Occupants who are well informed are more likely to cooperate with an investigation and participate in a solution, and they are less likely to file a grievance or complain to a regulatory agency about the problem.