Tag Archives: Mold in Commercial Spaces

Untreated Workplace Mold? What to Know to Prevent a Lawsuit!

Mold in the Workplace Can Affect Workers' Health

Mold in the Workplace Can Affect Workers’ Health

As an employer or landlord, you have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for employees and tenants. Mold and mold-related illnesses have become the focus of an increasing number of lawsuits, making Manhattan mold removal imperative. What can you do to protect employees and tenants while reducing liability?

Preventing Mold in Commercial Buildings

Mold spores surround us constantly, both indoors and out. Problems arise with extended exposure to large concentrations of indoor mold growth.

• Stay vigilant for signs of mold. Infestations may not always be visible, so your first clue may be a persistent musty smell. You should also investigate if people begin complaining about chronic symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and fatigue.

• Removing visible mold isn’t enough. Identify and resolve the cause, whether it’s leaky pipes, poor construction or excess humidity.

• Keep employees or tenants informed about steps you’re taking to remediate mold. Failure to disclose can cause reduction in morale and productivity while reflecting negatively on you in any possible legal action.

• Mold isn’t always covered by insurance. Check your policy, and if mold isn’t included, ask about purchasing additional coverage.

• If you’re doing any construction or renovations, review contracts to ensure contractors and subcontractors are liable for any defects that may cause mold.

Safe and Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Stern Mold provides eco-friendly, non-intrusive removal of infestations while treating the conditions that cause mold growth. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection by our professional Manhattan mold removal team.

Guest Sues Hotel Chain for Mold Exposure

Mold Can Creep Into Your Hotel Room -- Be on the Lookout!

Mold Can Creep Into Your Hotel Room — Be on the Lookout!

New Jersey mold removal isn’t a problem only for homeowners. A national hotel chain may be facing legal repercussions as the result of a moldy bathroom in one of their locations.

An Unpleasant Surprise

After DeAnna Kron checked into her room at the Quality Inn in Mankato, MN, she discovered mold underneath peeling wallpaper in the bathroom. In addition, mold particles had dispersed on towels as well as the floor and toilet.

When Kron reported her discovery to the front desk staff, they allegedly replied that maintenance wouldn’t be able to address the situation until the following Monday. A discussion with a regional corporate manager yielded no satisfaction, so Kron contacted the state health inspector.

He Said, She Said

Dave Reimann, an environmental health specialist with the Minnesota Department of Health, responded to Kron’s call and confirmed the presence of mold in her hotel room. Reimann noted he had performed an annual inspection four months earlier and the wallpaper was peeling, but there were no signs of mold at the time.

On behalf of the hotel, manager Prince Shergill says Kron was offered an upgrade to a suite, which she denies. Kron also says she began suffering from a sore throat and cough. It was expected that confirmation of mold as the cause of her illness could take several weeks.

Effective New Jersey Mold Removal for Commercial Buildings

Don’t put your business and your customers at risk. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free inspection from our experienced technicians.

Employers – Take Reports of Mold in the Workplace Seriously

Employers Must Weigh Concerns of Mold Seriously In the Workplace.

Employers Must Weigh Concerns of Mold Seriously In the Workplace.

Recently, a Pennsylvania employee was fired from her job for reporting mold in the workplace. She had notified the company of the problem, and when they failed to take steps to remedy the problem, reported to OSHA.

Mold in the Workplace: Don’t Ignore It

The company was notified by OSHA representatives that the issue had been brought to their attention and the area needed to be inspected.

Long story short, the company had the area inspected and was told there was a significant mold issue that needed immediate remediation. The company acknowledged the problem, but two months later, refused to take action. The employee continued to file complaints and several weeks after the inspection was completed, the company retaliated by firing her.

This is a direct violation of federal legislation put in place to protect employees who “blow the whistle” on illegal conduct. In too many instances, employees are afraid to come forward for exactly what happened to the Pennsylvania employee and why protections were put into law.

The company’s failure to take action and the firing of a whistleblower, which is the term used for people who bring illegal situations to light, cost the business $105,000 as a settlement to the employee. It most likely would have cost less to have had a professional mold treatment of the affected area.

If you are aware of a mold problem or an employee(s) bring it to your attention, don’t hesitate to hire mold removal service in New Jersey immediately.

At Stern Mold, we handle mold removal in New Jersey with specialized treatments to eliminate problems and make sure everyone is working in a healthy, mold-free environment.