• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Workplace Chemical Problem -- Edit: Work cancelled tomorrow due to electrical failure

R

RbSX

Diamond Member
Hey guys,

I work at a manufacturing company and a few weeks ago they moved me and my assistant into our warehouse.

In the last 4 weeks there has been two chemical spills, which have made me violently ill, and for the last two days there has been the permanent smell of diesel in the back, which has led to some pretty serious headaches.

I've had to take some time off because the chemical spills have made me want to vomit profusely because of the agony associated with my headache.

This is really starting to piss me off because it's money down the drain (I'm hourly) and every hour I don't work I am obviously not making money.

Given the situation, what would you do?

Edit: Just shot off an email to my GM, not going to lie, I was kind of a smart ass about it, sometimes these headaches have gone on for days.





Edit # 2:

So I got a text from the GM today, work is closed tomorrow (monday) due to an electrical failure of the ventilation system that caused the issue last week.

I kind of want to demand a full days pay because this has been an on going problem.

Yes/No?
 
Last edited:
I would just talk to whoever you report to about it. If he/she doesn't do anything, talk to your Doctor and (like Evadman said) check for regulations that would require the employer to make changes/compensate you.
 
There has got to be some kind of OSHA violation going on there.

EDIT: Oh if you're in Canada like SacrosanctFiend says, forget the OSHA comment. I'm sure there is some kind of agency that regulates stuff like this in Canadia though.
 
Last edited:
If I lived in USA I would have my lawyer filing workers comp while I sat in hospital recouping.
 
Zebo said:
If I lived in USA I would have my lawyer filing workers comp while I sat in hospital recouping.
Click to expand...

Ingenious.

My company is not very large so there is no HR, but I will speak to the GM about it when he gets back from his work trip.
 
RbSX said:
Ingenious.

My company is not very large so there is no HR, but I will speak to the GM about it when he gets back from his work trip.
Click to expand...

:hmm:

he isn't conveniently on his trip while all these untended spills are occurring, is he?
 
happened to my office too, we told management that there's smell, after about 2 incidents we got legal involved and the building has been very nice since.
 
Does your company have a designated H & S Officer? If so, report it to him/her. If not, tell your manager.
 
Buy yourself a respirator with the proper filters and wear it to work until they do something about your situation.

Then, when your coworkers ask why you are wearing the respirator be sure to educate them all on the dangers they are putting themselves in breathing in all those toxins.

Management will either fire you or move you so you don't "scare" your co-workers.
 
If it happened to me, I'd start off with:
1. Notify supervisor and safety officer
2. File comp claim
 
You shouldn't have to work in those conditions. For one thing, are you looking for another job? It's obvious your boss/management doesn't give a rat's ass about working conditions.
 
I've overheard retards complaining about the feng shui in their cubicles.

I think your complaints are more than justified.
 
light it on fire. if that doesnt work, tell your supervisor the fumes are making you sick. every time you have to leave, go to the doc and get taken care of. make sure you tell the doc it is from the fumes at work. if your work gives you issues, whip out the docs paperwork.

why are so many people here at atot so afraid of confrontation?
 
Your employer is responsible for establishing a health and safety committee, and this type of problem should be addressed by that committee.

It is also a compensable work related incident that you and your employer are responsible to report to the Workers Compensation Board of BC.
http://www.worksafebc.com/workers/i...reporting_accidents_and_incidents/default.asp

I suggest you start with just speaking with your GM and perhaps volunteering to be on the committee and see if they will react positively to solve the problem. If not you can file a claim with WCB for a lost time incident and that will start a chain of action within the WCB that will likely result in a site inspection and a bunch of work that your employer will have to do to avoid potential penalties and orders.
 
I'm currently at home wanting to VOMIT everywhere, I'm going to shoot off an email to my GM right now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top