Employers are required to provide a safe and clean working environment, and employees have a right guaranteed by federal, state and local laws to expect a clean and safe working environment with good indoor air quality. The U.S. Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) does not set specific standards for indoor air quality. Employers are however required to follow the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and General Duty Clause of the OSHAct, which "requires them to provide workers with a safe workplace that does not have any known hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious injury."
Many Americans suffer from seasonal allergies and respiratory sensitivity, and any problem with indoor air quality at work may worsen such problems. Indoor air quality problems include, according to OSHA, poor or contaminated ventilation, poor upkeep of ventilation, heating and air-conditioning systems, dampness and moisture damage, construction or remodeling, and contaminated indoor or outdoor air. Symptoms caused by poor air quality at work may include headaches, asthma, fatigue, fever, shortness of breath or cough.
OSHA does provide specific guidelines employers should follow to ensure good indoor air quality for their employees, stating, "there is no substitute for good building management." OSHA states that good indoor air quality includes "comfortable temperature and humidity, adequate supply of fresh outdoor air, and control of pollutants from inside and outside of the building." Some state and local laws also have their own air-quality requirements. California, New Jersey and Washington have indoor air regulations.
OSHA provides a detailed program of practical recommendations for employers, building owners and managers, to ensure they maintain the highest indoor air quality. It emphasizes a preventive maintenance program. This document, "Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings," is also a helpful reference for managers and employees who would like to be involved and obtain more information about their particular building's maintenance, relevant infrastructure and ventilation systems.
Clean air quality and agreeable temperature foster a more productive working environment. Any employee with a concern that the building environment is not providing good air quality should speak with the building's manager to determine possible problems. He or she may ask the manager to check the ventilation and temperature systems and to assess any water damage or mold that is causing indoor air pollution. Allergy testing can also indicate if there is a particular allergy to chemicals or materials used in the building.
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