It’s always important to have an office that is conducive to a professional working environment. One of the bare-bones essentials is a safe and clean ambiance. You may want to look out for the health risks that your office might be hiding.
Mold
Mold is a nasty and silent invader that can do more damage than you would expect. Are you or other office workers experiencing sudden and unexplained irritation or itchiness in your skin and eyes? You might be allergic to this growth. Even if you don’t have any obvious symptoms, you should be wary. Mold takes place when a certain building isn’t kept properly dry.
That could mean humidity-related mold growth or mold growth stemming from leaks and water damage. Keep an eye out for discoloration or warping in the walls and ceilings. You’re going to want to have professional cleaners take care of it since some mold can be toxic.
Pests
Pests come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on your location, they can be common or rare – as well as dangerous, disgusting, or simply annoying. Insects are some of the most widespread. Ants, spiders, roaches, and termites are often found in ill-kept buildings almost everywhere. Pests can cause physical damage to the structure of the building as well; long-term termite infestations can mean structural damage.
Larger pests – like mice, rats, raccoons, and so on – also tend to be more damaging because of the size of their nests. Pest control companies should be contacted if any infestations are found. In the meantime, be careful with how you store food and keep the office well-cleaned.
Unseen Chemicals
Older buildings that have been repurposed for commercial use might have certain substances that can be harmful when exposed to them regularly for long periods of time. Asbestos is a chemical compound that was used for its naturally flame-resistant properties – until it was discovered that it can cause cancer with long-term exposure. Lead paint is another risk you may want to keep an eye out for. Often, lead-based paint will have been painted over, so it may not even be noticeable. You’ll need a professional inspector and a professional removal crew to find it and remove it safely.
The best thing you can do is to make sure that proper inspections happen on a regular basis. When a problem is discovered – even when minor – it’s always in your best interest to take care of it sooner rather than later. Thus, you will ensure that nobody is at risk in your workplace.
Here’s more to read. COMMON ISSUES WITH OLD OFFICE BUILDINGS
