Air Quality Liability
Workplace mould can be a major concern for Australian businesses. If you want to protect your workers, mould removal and remediation is crucial.
What causes
poor indoor air quality?
There are many contributing factors that are conducive to poor indoor air quality. Here are some of the highly probably factors:
1. High humidity and moisture
Unusually high levels of humidity and moisture (dampness) help accelerate the growth of mould. These problems may be caused by leaks from piping, the design of the house, leaks from gutters, rising dampness from the soil underneath, the weather and the area you live in. It is important to ensure moisture levels are at appropriate levels, to ensure that mould growth does not proliferate.
2. Poor ventilation
Buildings today are built close to air-tight, and opt for air conditioning systems. Although they are useful, they decrease natural ventilation which can cause a build of chemical off-gassing that cannot be flushed out. Some rooms may not even have windows or venting at all.
3. Products
Perfumes, sprays, cleaning chemicals – Particular products can be considered VOCs gas emitting products that can be harmful to your health. It is important to be informed of the products you choose to have in your house or workplace.
4. Building materials
Building materials (especially from old houses) such as asbestos, particular types of carpets, insulation and some tiling can contain carcinogenic material. It is important to make sure your house is free or safe from materials that may cause damage to your health long term. Whether rebuilding, renovating or tearing down, it is of the utmost importance that an indoor environmental assessment take place beforehand. Without one, an individual may unwillingly cross-contaminate a whole household and its contents and risk the health of all occupants.
Workplace liability
Employers are held accountable to keep their workplaces safe for their workers to occupy and work in.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 of the Queensland Government it states under section 19 subsection 3 that “– A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable—the provision and maintenance of a work environment without risks to health and safety and—that the health of workers and the conditions at the workplace are monitored for the purpose of preventing illness or injury of workers…”. This means, by law, employers have a legal obligation to keep indoor air quality and the environment in which they work to an acceptably healthy standard, which would otherwise be harmful to the occupants.
Failure to comply with such legislation can often mean prosecution which may lead to large fines and/or jail time. By calling IECL, we will help you fulfil your due diligence by taking your first step towards healthy indoor air quality.
Not doing your due diligence in ensuring your work place has acceptable indoor air quality may be considered to be negligent, and non-compliance may mean prosecution.
As employee’s health and safety is considered to be one of the highest priorities for an employer, Indoor air quality should be a consideration in ensuring a safe work place. As the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 is legislation, these standards are used to find if employers/body corporate is found compliant or not. Ensuring your air quality is safe is the best outcome for everyone. Please click on these links for more information.
Workplace health & safety act
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
Workplace Health and Safety NSW