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Question: If I think I am getting sick at work because of mold, what should my employer do?

Answer:

Employers are required to follow the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, which requires them to provide workers with a safe workplace that does not have any known hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious injury.

OSHA has a number of guidance documents that employers can use to assist them in hazard recognition, detection, control and clean-up of mold. In general the best way to control mold is to identify and control the source or sources of moisture. Once the employer controls the source or sources of moisture, they can ensure the mold-bearing material can either be cleaned or removed. For further information on this subject, see OSHA's Molds Safety and Health Topics page.

Question: Does OSHA regulate cigarette smoking in the workplace?

Answer:

OSHA does not have a regulation that addresses smoking in the workplace except for a limited number of regulations that address smoking and other sources of ignition from a fire safety perspective.

Question: What should I do if I am being exposed to chemicals, dust or other hazards?

Answer:

OSHA does not have a specific indoor air quality (IAQ) standard for construction or general industry activities, but does provide guidelines addressing the most common workplace complaints about IAQ. These are typically related to temperature, humidity, lack of outside air ventilation, or smoking. OSHA standards address potential hazardous conditions leading to serious physical harm or death. Such standards may include those for specific air contaminants, ventilation systems, or the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act).

For guidelines and additional information on this subject, see OSHA's Safety and Health Topics page on Indoor Air Quality and Frequently Asked Questions about Indoor Air Quality.

Question: If I think there is an indoor air quality problem at work, what can I do?

Answer:

Employers are required to follow the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, which requires them to provide workers with a safe workplace that does not have any known hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious injury. Employers should be reasonably aware of the possible sources of poor air quality, and they should have the resources necessary to recognize and control workplace hazards. It is also their responsibility to inform employees of the immediate dangers that are present.

For more information, see NIOSH's Health Hazard Evaluation Program.

You can also contact your local OSHA Office or file a safety and health complaint and OSHA will keep your information confidential.