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Ashley Barrett


Career development 2d
In our office, there’s a central air conditioning system, and my desk is right under one of the vents. Because of that, I keep getting sick, always coughing and with a runny nose. My coworkers aren’t too happy about it either.
When I take sick leave for a few days to get better, my manager gets really angry. He even threatened to fire me if I keep missing work.
What should I do? (There’s no way to move my desk.) Thanks.

1   

  • Brent Harvey

    1d
    Best answer

    Stand up for yourself! Never be afraid to voice a valid workplace opinion or concern. There’s no way you should be fired because the work environment... is making you sick. What if the vent is spilling out some cancerous cells? Would you stand up for yourself then? The first thing you need to do is go to HR and have it documented in your file that you have requested your desk be moved and provide the doctors bills or whatever to show how you’re working environment is hazardous to your health. more

  • Randall Giancaterino

    10h

    Yes, report it to your supervisor. Plus, if they do not clean out the vents regularly, which seems to be a common oversight in workplaces, it could... be a health hazard long-term. A good supervisor or the HR office, if you have one, will respond accordingly, and l not make it get to the point where the employee has to get a doctor's note. Relocating your desk as suggested, is a good idea. more

  • Martell Espinoza

    1d

    I would say man up but we know how that goes. Have you tried moving your desk, how about trading desk station with someone who likes the cold. Beyond... that it sounds like a immune system problem. more

    1

  • Brent Harvey

    1d

    Stand up for yourself! Never be afraid to voice a valid workplace opinion or concern. There’s no way you should be fired because the work environment... is making you sick. What if the vent is spilling out some cancerous cells? Would you stand up for yourself then? The first thing you need to do is go to HR and have it documented in your file that you have requested your desk be moved and provide the doctors bills or whatever to show how you’re working environment is hazardous to your health. more

  • Sape Quashie

    2d

    Relocate your desk. You should not suffer because of a work place situation. Get a note from your Physician next time you have respiratory issues... requesting that you should not sit under the vent. more

  • Scripps

    2d

    I've had the same situation previously. What I did was purchase some magnetic vent covers, cut them to size and stuck them on the cieling vent. Get... the strong ones, Amazon has them. Worked, and removable.  more

    3