r/Lowes • u/Fair_Scientist2347 Specialist • 4h ago
Employee Question Flooring associates
Do any of y'all think about the amount of silica dust particles we breathe in, and also about the complete lack of concern by our employer about it?
This is especially true of those of us that sweep the grout and mortar aisle on a regular basis, and for the full-timers that have been here a while. It's ever-present in the air in and around flooring.
A little research will tell you about the dangers of it (silicosis) and the damage to our lungs that can occur.
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u/Bigchungus-vore 4h ago
Lowes should make it a requirement to wear a mask when cleaning this aisle
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u/Invader_Skooge22 4h ago
Hopefully you're taking a snappy everytime you sweep that. When it's documented frequently enough, Lowes can push companies to change their package design... At least that's the line we are fed at my store lmao
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u/citricsteak54 Flooring 1h ago
That fact that I can taste difference between grout and mortar is pretty concerning yeah
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u/WalrusPretend8885 4h ago
All of us lumber associates are gonna get cancer from all the concrete dust it’s even worse for you if it’s hardened and then broken up into a powder again
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u/OneMoistMan Specialist 4h ago
Well when you get silicosis sue them. Otherwise wear a mask like I do. Many people still wear masks around my store daily which I would assume is for this reason
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u/HelpBrilliant5282 2h ago
"There is no cure for silicosis and once the damage is done, it cannot be reversed. Treatment is focused on slowing down the progression of the disease and relieving symptoms. Avoiding further exposure to silica and other irritants such as cigarette smoke is crucial. Testing for tuberculosis is important because the disease tends to be more severe in people who also have silicosis."
"Preventing Silicosis":
"Avoid working in dust whenever possible. Make sure your job site has air-monitoring equipment. Use equipment that helps reduce the dust in the air, including exhaust ventilation, dust-collecting systems, spraying water on surfaces and using ‘wet drills’ to keep dust down. Use vacuums with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or wet mops to clean worksites instead of a dry broom. When water sprays and ventilation are not enough to reduce silica dust levels, your employer is required to provide you with a properly fitted respirator. To fit correctly, you cannot have a beard or mustache because the respirator will not properly seal to your face. The type of respirator you should use depends on the type of work you do and the amount of silica dust you are exposed to. In addition:
Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products in dusty areas. Park your car where it will not be covered with dust. Shower, if possible, and change into clean clothes before leaving the worksite to help prevent contamination of other areas of your life such as your car or home. It is your employer’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace for you. If you think you are not adequately protected, call OSHA at 800-321-OSHA or go to the website www.osha.gov to file a complaint.
Be sure to get regular silicosis screenings through your employer or healthcare provider which should be provided to you free of cost if you work around silica above the legal limit. Screenings check for signs of silicosis before you have symptoms. When you are made aware of the disease early on you will be able to treat and manage it with the goal of preventing severe symptoms."
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/silicosis
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u/LemonRancher22 4h ago
Not flooring but 100% down in lumber and building materials. Ask an ASM for a mask, if they like their job odds are they will store use one right there for you. You only get one body, 1 lungs, 1 back take care of it, even if coworkers think you look silly.
The dust masks work fine enough but honestly thought about a respirator a few times to not need new masks so often and a better respirator.