disscussion

Page 1 of 1 Employment Law

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Employee Health and Safety

Sick employee?

In a casual conversation with the HR director, you learn that an employee left work three weeks ago due to what appeared to be a common cold. The employee left on Tuesday, returned on Thursday, and still sounded congested on Friday and Monday. Now, three weeks later, the employee has been in and out of the office with the same symptoms. The HR director seems to think the employee is simply being dramatic and taking advantage of sick leave.

Company’s culpability

You start to wonder, however, how the employee can get well and then have a relapse every time she comes to the office. In a conversation with the employee, you learn that she has allergies, specifically pollen and mold. You know that a pipe broke in the office suite above yours. You are concerned that perhaps mold has now started to grow in the walls or the drop ceiling. Upon investigation, you find this is indeed the case. You make plans to bring in a remediation crew within the next few days. However, this means that you may have an issue as employees are expected to report to work in the meantime. Furthermore, you know that at least one employee may have become ill due to the mold.