Be Aware: These Office Features Could Be Making Your Employees Ill

Posted on 28 February, 2020

Winter is still in full swing and for some areas throughout the country that means a couple more months of bad weather and the higher chances of getting a cold. But for those who notice symptoms such as dry cough, fatigue, nasal allergies, or dry and itchy skin around the workplace, it could be the building, not the weather outside, that’s the culprit of your employees’ health woes.

Sick building syndrome is a term used to outline what occupants in a building feel when they experience health issues and discomfort while working inside. When they leave the office, they feel better and don’t feel like they need to take medicine or see a doctor. This could eventually spell trouble for the company they work for and for their general health condition.

There’s a lot more than just business going on under an office’s roof. With that in mind, it’s important to look at what potentially can be the reason for in-office illnesses.

Mold and Fungi

Mold is the major cause of this issue and can have extensive effects on the overall health of your employees. Mold infestations are at the heart of office illnesses and can be very unhealthy over time.

Mold, which can either be toxic or be an allergen, thrives in more damp locations and spreads very easily. It’s usually found in basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of a building that may be susceptible to humidity. Infestations can be caused by leaky pipes, roof leaks, and other water issues. Mold spores can spread to the entire office via heating and air systems.

HVAC

Speaking of air systems, indoor air quality can be a major cause of office sickness. Indoor air may be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air due to it being recycled, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Poor air circulation in an office mixed with inadequate ventilation may be causing employees to breathe in toxins and chemicals, such as lead, dust and exhaust.

Businesses should have their air ducts checked for any obstructions as well as to check for any levels of mold, asbestos, exhaust, or pollution. Businesses should also be consulting their local business insurance coverage to make sure they are protected against major claims related to health risks. Having business insurance CT coverage can come in handy when an employee falls ill and makes a major claim that could severely damage an organization.

Fellow Employees

Grabbing a quick lunch and eating it at your desk to get back to work may be an example of life hacking, but it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and illness. If someone in the office is not keeping their desk clean from food and drinks, they may be attracting pests, such as rodents and insects. Cockroaches have even been linked to respiratory issues as dropping and saliva from them can cause allergic reactions.

Carpeting

Most people aren’t fans of office carpeting to begin with, but when it’s also an agent of chaos when it comes to employee health, that makes it even more of an enemy of office workers. Mold spores may be released on to the carpet with every footstep and every roll of the desk chair. Unhealthy bacteria could be spread throughout the entirety of the office just because of workers’ moment-by-moment movement.

About Byrnes Agency

At Byrnes Agency, we offer insurance solutions that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for personal policies or commercial coverage, we have the right coverage for you. To learn more about our products, contact us today at one of our two locations.

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