I seek Free Legal Advice...
Ok. Lora's building has black mold. Management has taken steps to remove the black mold, which consists of hiring some guys to paint some stuff on the mold, so that the mold dies. The stuff has filled the building with a (probably toxic) chemical smell which persists after people leave the building, has rendered at least one person sick, and makes being in certain areas of the building entirely unbearable. Lora has a persistent chemical taste at the back of her throat.
The employees (Lora included) have been told that they do not need to stay in the building, but that if they leave, they must use up their sick time and vacation time. After which, presumably, they will no longer be paid. The receptionists have walked out en masse. The billing department (which is where Lora is) have been filling in for reception in cycles; 2 hours and then switch.
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on the chemical says that you need to wear a mask when sanding the stuff, but there is no mention of prolonged exposure. A quick glance at OSHA's website seems to indicate that this is not an OSHA matter. If the workers had gotten sick from the black mold, I've seen stuff that seems to indicate that they would be due compensation.
So, lawyers, what do you think? I know this isn't your area of law (as far as I know), but maybe you did a class on something like this, or you know someone who does this sort of thing.
The employees (Lora included) have been told that they do not need to stay in the building, but that if they leave, they must use up their sick time and vacation time. After which, presumably, they will no longer be paid. The receptionists have walked out en masse. The billing department (which is where Lora is) have been filling in for reception in cycles; 2 hours and then switch.
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on the chemical says that you need to wear a mask when sanding the stuff, but there is no mention of prolonged exposure. A quick glance at OSHA's website seems to indicate that this is not an OSHA matter. If the workers had gotten sick from the black mold, I've seen stuff that seems to indicate that they would be due compensation.
So, lawyers, what do you think? I know this isn't your area of law (as far as I know), but maybe you did a class on something like this, or you know someone who does this sort of thing.