Courthouse air makes them sick
Ontario Court of Justice employees have refused to continue working in conditions they say are making them sick.
Ninety per cent of the 43 workers at the Metro West courthouse at 80 The East Mall, Toronto have reported symptoms of “sick building” syndrome, including respiratory infections, nosebleeds, headaches, sore eyes, chronic fatigue, and reduced concentration.
The building is a former warehouse. Carbon dioxide levels have been measured at twice the acceptable level. Employees walked off the job when plans to deal with the problem were shelved indefinitely.
When workers at the Newmarket, Ontario courthouse staged a similar work refusal under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the building was closed in June 2000. Repairs were made and the courthouse has since reopened.
Ninety per cent of the 43 workers at the Metro West courthouse at 80 The East Mall, Toronto have reported symptoms of “sick building” syndrome, including respiratory infections, nosebleeds, headaches, sore eyes, chronic fatigue, and reduced concentration.
The building is a former warehouse. Carbon dioxide levels have been measured at twice the acceptable level. Employees walked off the job when plans to deal with the problem were shelved indefinitely.
When workers at the Newmarket, Ontario courthouse staged a similar work refusal under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the building was closed in June 2000. Repairs were made and the courthouse has since reopened.
