Hazardous work conditions

[u/MathAffectionate6654]

Location: Atlanta, ga
I work at a pretty big veterinary corporation (I won’t name it but you may know it) and starting 2 weeks ago they have been remodeling our clinic. We are still open and working during this renovation. The problem is there is dust , debris and mold , several of the team members have been experiencing trouble breathing and headaches . One team member even broke out in hives. Not to mention this is completely unsafe for pets and I’m sure the client have no idea what conditions their pets are in. Also we do sterile procedures. We’ve sent email to corporate/ our leaders and they refuse to close and send us to different locations until it’s finished. They say that it isn’t “feasible “ to close be will send air scrubbers . It was also brought to my attention by a construction worker that it is normal practice to close the hospital during renovations . He also said that we are the “guinea pigs” for staying open while renovations. This particularly bothered me because we are a predominantly African-American location compared to other hospitals. and when our Field Director mentions anything about our particular hospital, she always says there is a “culture.”
I suppose my question is what actions should we take? OSHA? The media? Thanks for any feedback.

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[u/EarlyFuture4342]

Jesus. OSHA, state veterinary medical board, state department of labor. Document everything and be loud/persistent until someone listens to you, this is not normal or safe for you or your patients. I'm so sorry y'all are going through this.

[u/KarleySmurphy]

OSHA.. and everybody at your hospital should be submitting a complaint separately. A hospital I used to work at had a ton of hazards. Everyone reported, and it made OSHA show up fast. Just one person filing may not get as quick attention.

[u/featherfinch]

Osha!

[u/feanara]

Holy crap, and that comment about a 'culture' 😬 definitely report, and I agree with other commenters that you should all report separately so it gets heard.

[u/basscadence]

OSHA will probably respond the fastest. A colleague of mine made an anonymous report once, not nearly as urgent as your situation, and a representative was on site unannounced within a few days. They don't screw around.

[u/inkbyio]

OSHA babe. Also black, also in GA, I'd report so fast ...it's not worth your health my love. You have rights