When you’re a business owner, there are millions of situations which can come up that put your business at risk. And as a business owner, you want to protect your hard work and business efforts the best way you can. That’s why you’re wondering about mold exposure and how it could harm you as an employer. In this article, we discuss what both employers and their employees should know about mold exposure if mold is ever noticed. And, what employers can do to remove mold and prevent it from coming back.
Why Employers Should be Aware of Mold Exposure
Mold can bring about a lawsuit that can throw a huge curveball at your business if you’re not careful. As an employer, your job is to provide your employees with a safe environment to work in. When there’s mold in a work environment, employees and even customers may be at risk for developing an illness as a result. Obviously, the fault of these illnesses or symptoms can be on your hands if you don’t protect yourself as a business owner.
Know the Signs of Mold Exposure as an Employer
If you notice signs of mold exposure before people get sick, you may be able to remediate the situation before legal action takes place. And, before people get sick. Some of the most common symptoms of mold exposure you can look for as an employer include:
- Stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Coughing
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Rashes and other skin irritations
- Stimulation of asthma symptoms
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Respiratory issues
Mold exposure doesn’t make anyone feel good. So, if you think there may be mold growing in your place of work and your employees aren’t feeling themselves or providing good work, it could also be a sign of mold exposure.
Employers Should Understand What Causes Mold
When employers know what causes mold growth, they can better work to prepare mold from growing in the future. And, in turn, prevent the symptoms of mold from affecting employees and themselves. First and foremost, mold requires water to grow. Whether it’s a stream of water or humidity in the air, if there’s water, mold can grow. Secondly, mold likes to grow in dark, unseeable places. So, mold basically will want to grow in places that are both dark and wet. This could be in your walls, air conditioning unit, appliances, or other settings that match these characteristics. Finally, when mold isn’t remediated and removed professionally, it can grow back full force. So, it’s important to understand that the cause of mold growth may be lack of expertise in the removal process.
How You Can Prevent Mold as an Employer
Now that you understand what causes mold growth and what to look for as far as signs of mold, it’s helpful to understand how to prevent mold in general. This way, you don’t have to experience this nightmare as an employer in the future. Some ways you can work to prevent mold include:
- Hiring a maintenance team that understands mold and what to look for in terms of mold growth
- Making sure there are no leaks in your business structure
- Installing hurricane proof doors and windows to ensure no leaks
- Making sure appliances don’t leak and are cleaned routinely
- Investing in workplace paint that’s mildew resistant
- Removing any carpeting or cabinetry which may have been exposed to water
- Maintaining a/c systems by having routine cleaning and maintenance done
Hiring a Mold Removal Company to Help Your Business
If you notice mold in your business structure, you need to address the situation right away. Firstly, don’t make your employees work in the environment any longer until the situation is addressed. Secondly, don’t attempt to remove mold yourself with bleach or other cleaners; it doesn’t work. You’ll need the help of professionals; and to be honest, you’ll be glad you did in the future.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy mold removal company in the South Florida area, consider A Plus Mold Remediation Inc. To talk to us about mold testing or get your quote, contact us today!